Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  Please click on the appropriate link.

▶ Can I research my 2011 property tax bill?

Yes. Click here and enter your property's PIN.

▶ How are my property taxes calculated?

Calculating property taxes is a complex process that involves many elected officials and their staffs.
  • Members of the General Assembly who write tax law
  • Locally Elected Township Assessors who assess your property
  • Locally Elected Officials such as School, Park, Libraries, and Village Trustees who set tax levies
  • Locally Elected County Board Members who also set tax levies
  • The County Clerk who calculates your tax payment
  • The Supervisor of Assessment who applies exemptions
And this is just a partial list. Basically, your Township Assessor determines your property’s Net Equalized Value, or NEV. The County Clerk takes the NEV and calculates it against each tax levy set by your locally elected boards. The County Clerk also subtracts exemptions that the Supervisor of Assessment approves for your property. Once the County Clerk completes the calculations (the formal name is “extension”), we take the data and print your bill and mail it to your address of record. The Will County Treasurer then distributes the money to the local taxing districts.

▶ Why did my property taxes go up?

It’s the most common question we receive after we mail tax bills. And it’s understandable. The housing market has been in decline. Some properties are worth less today than a few years ago. It doesn’t make sense, and, honestly, it’s not very easy to answer. For the most part, a higher tax bill is the result of a higher tax rate set by a taxing district such as your school district or park district.  Of course, this is a simple answer. Your case may have other variables involved. You should contact the Supervisor of Assessment to discuss your specific situation.

▶ Can I pay both installments at once?

Yes.  We will accept payment for both installments at the same time.  In fact, you can use one check.  However, we do ask you to remit both payment coupons to assist us in processing the payment. If you fail to pay your tax by the first installment due date (June 3, 2013), you still can pay both installments.  Remember to include the interest payment from your late payment.  Otherwise, you risk having your taxes sold during the annual tax sale in December.

▶ Do you offer a payment plan?

Not at this time. We are developing a program where taxpayers can make monthly installments year round. We expect to have this program in place for collection in 2014. We do offer, however, the ability to make partial payments.  Download our brochure.

▶ Can I make a partial tax payment?

Yes, but you will be assessed interest and fees if you do. Will County charges a $2 re-billing fee for every partial payment.  Partial payments made after June 3, 2013 and September 3, 2013 also incur a state-imposed 1.5% monthly interest penalty on unpaid balances.  So, for example, if you make three partial payments, you will pay the re-billing fee plus the 1.5% interest penalty three separate times. You cannot make a partial payment online or at a bank or credit union branch location.

▶ Why isn’t my payment reflected on your website?

When you make a payment either online, at a financial institution, or through the mail; there can be a delay in processing the payment in our office.  Typical delays include:
  • Online: 24—48 hours
  • Financial Institution: 10—14 days
  • Postal Mail: 7—10 days
  • Mortgage Companies: 2—3 weeks
Our online database is the same system used in our office.  If your payment is not reflected online, it will not be reflected in our office either, unfortunately. The only way to insure your taxes are recorded at the time of payment is to make it in person at our office at 302 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432.

▶ When is the last day to pay my property taxes?

The First Installment is due by Monday, June 3, 2013. The Second Installment is due by Tuesday, September 3, 2013. The very last day to pay your Will County real estate property taxes is Tuesday, December 3, 2013.  The annual Will County Tax Sale will be December 4, 2013 at 9:00 AM.

▶ Why do I get a bill when I escrow?

Many mortgage companies pay property taxes on behalf of the owners.  However, we must mail the original bill to the owner of record.  Please keep this bill for your tax records. You also should confirm that your mortgage company has paid your property taxes.

▶ Can I pay my property taxes by mail?

Yes.  You can mail your tax payment to our lockbox. Post Office Box 5000 Joliet, IL 60434-5000 Only U.S. Postal Service postmarks prove on-time payment, not postage meter dates.

▶ Can I pay my property taxes by overnight delivery?

Yes, but please send it directly to the Will County Collector. 302 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60434-5000

▶ Can I pay my property taxes at my bank?

Yes.  Will County benefits from a network of commercial banks and credit unions who accept real estate tax payments. It is the policy of the Will County Collector to accept real estate tax payments in ways that are both convenient and cost-effective to the tax payer. Click here to see a complete list of financial institutions that will accept your real estate tax payment. These institutions will accept your payment even if you are not a customer of the bank. You will not be charged for paying your taxes or asked to open an account.

▶ Can I pay my property taxes at my credit union?

Yes.  Will County benefits from a network of commercial banks and credit unions who accept real estate tax payments. It is the policy of the Will County Collector to accept real estate tax payments in ways that are both convenient and cost-effective to the tax payer. Click here to see a complete list of financial institutions that will accept your real estate tax payment. These institutions will accept your payment even if you are not a member of the credit union. You will not be charged for paying your taxes or asked to open an account. If you are not a member of a participating Credit Union, however, they may require cash or certified funds as payment.  They have the option of not accepting checks from non-members.

▶ Can I pay my property taxes in person?

Yes.  Our office has full-time cashiers during the tax payment season.  While there is a short wait time, we can professionally process any form of payment we accept (cash, check, or credit cards).  Our office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays. We accept payment from May 1, 2013 to December 4, 2013. The Will County Building is located at 302 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432. We also offer a secure Drop Box option, located in the main parking lot.

▶ How do I change my mailing address?

Please download, complete and return our Real Estate Address Correction Form.