HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

White County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in White County, IL. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.3115% effective rate (varies by taxing district combinations within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

White County, Illinois operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, townships, county government operations, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local governmental entities, with collections distributed among more than a dozen taxing districts throughout the county.

The effective property tax rate in White County for the 2025 levy year is approximately 0.3115% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties are assessed at 33.33% of fair market value, and tax bills are typically issued twice per year. The county's relatively low tax rate compared to the Illinois state average of 2.27% reflects the rural nature of White County and its more limited range of municipal services and special districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

FY 2025 Tax Rates (Pay 2025)

ComponentRatePercentage of TotalDescription
White County0.003192013.71%County operations, services, infrastructure
Union Township0.00015300.66%Township roads, general assistance
School DistrictsVaries by district~60-70%Elementary and high school operations
Library DistrictsVaries by district~2-5%Public library services
Fire ProtectionVaries by district~3-8%Fire and emergency services
Cemetery DistrictsVaries by district~1-2%Cemetery maintenance
Total Composite Rate~0.3115%100%Varies by property location

Note: Rates shown are per $100 of assessed value. Actual total rates vary significantly based on which special taxing districts serve each property location within White County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in White County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in White County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the period from the effective date of the change through the end of the current tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then prorating for the applicable time period.

For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed and assessed on July 1st, and the property is in an area with a 0.31% total tax rate, the supplemental tax would be approximately $155 for the remaining six months of the tax year ($100,000 × 33.33% assessment ratio × 0.31% tax rate × 6/12 months = $155).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less: General Homestead Credit (if applied): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $90,000
  • Annual Tax (0.3115% rate): $280.35
  • Monthly Escrow: $23.36

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less: General Homestead Credit (if applied): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax (0.3115% rate): $591.85
  • Monthly Escrow: $49.32

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,300
  • Less: General Homestead Credit (if applied): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $323,300
  • Annual Tax (0.3115% rate): $1,007.08
  • Monthly Escrow: $83.92

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Rates may vary based on specific taxing districts serving each property.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in White County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to approximately 1/12th of the annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion typically not exceeding two months of payments.

Property taxes in White County are generally due in two installments: the first installment typically due around June 17th and the second installment due around September 3rd of each year. Lenders monitor these due dates and make payments directly to the White County Treasurer on behalf of homeowners. Annual escrow analyses are conducted to ensure adequate funding, with any shortages typically spread over 12 months and surpluses refunded or applied to reduce future payments.

Homeowners should verify their escrow payments cover all applicable taxes, including any special district assessments. It's important to notify your lender of any changes in tax liability, such as new exemptions or credits you've applied for, or completion of new construction that may trigger supplemental assessments.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in White County for the current tax year? A: For 2025 taxes, the first installment is typically due June 17, 2026, and the second installment is due September 3, 2026. Mobile home taxes are due June 2, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the General Homestead Exemption, which reduces your assessed value by up to $10,000. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence as of January 1st. A Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption is available for qualifying seniors age 65+. All exemptions require separate applications filed with the White County Supervisor of Assessments.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption reduces your property's assessed value (not market value) by up to $10,000, which translates to annual tax savings of approximately $31 in White County. You must file an application - it is not automatic. The exemption must be renewed if ownership changes or if you move.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in White County? A: Illinois law requires properties to be assessed annually, though White County may conduct comprehensive reassessments on a cyclical basis. The county aims to maintain assessments at 33.33% of fair market value across all property types.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the White County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many Illinois counties offer online payment options. Check the White County Treasurer's website for available electronic payment methods, accepted payment types, and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the White County Board of Review, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. You'll need to provide evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value is incorrect.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if tax rates stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to rising property values, completion of new construction or improvements, loss of exemptions, or changes in special district boundaries. Even with stable rates, increased assessed values result in higher tax bills.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Itemized Property Tax Information - Treasurertreasurer.whitecounty91.us
02
County
Collector / Treasurer | Whiteside County, ILwhitesidecountyil.gov
03
Real Property Information - Auditorauditor.whitecounty91.us
04
County
Sealed Bid Auction | White County, ILwhitecounty-il.gov
05
County
County Board | White County, ILwhitecounty-il.gov
06
County
Property Tax Exemptions | White County, ILwhitecounty-il.gov
07
County
Homestead Exemptions | Whiteside County, ILwhitesidecountyil.gov
08
County
Sealed Bid Auction | White County, ILwhitecounty-il.gov
09
Tax Doc
PTAX-60, Illinois Property Tax Rate and Levy Manualtax.illinois.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Fund Max Rate and Statute Referencetax.illinois.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate