Tax-Related Questions

Can I make partial payments?

Partial payments are not accepted. You may pay one full installment by each due date or you may pay the entire amount by the first due date. If a payment is made after it’s respective due date, a penalty of 1.5% per month is added.

Can I prepay my taxes?

No, Peoria County is not able to accept prepayment of property taxes.

Does a late tax payment affect my credit rating?

No, this office does not report late tax payments to any credit bureau.

How do I change my mailing address on my tax bill?

Notify the Supervisor of Assessments office in writing of the change. Use this downloadable change of address form. Mail the form to: Supervisor of Assessments 324 Main St. Room 301 Peoria, IL 61602.

I did not live here in 2012. Why did I receive a 2012 tax bill?

The tax remains with the property regardless of ownership. To determine your liability for paying the tax, check your closing statement to see if the seller gave you credit, or contact your attorney.

I did not pay my taxes last year. Where can I find out how much I owe?

Call the Peoria County Clerk at 309-672-6059, and ask for a redemption amount. Make sure to have your parcel number handy.

I do not agree with my property tax assessment, what are my alternatives?

A taxpayer has a right to appeal their property tax assessment for any reason. The burden of proof, however, will be on the taxpayer to prove why they should have their assessment changed. Just saying: My taxes are too high is not sufficient. Note also that three things may happen on appeal. 1) the tax may be raised; 2) it may be lowered; 3) it may remain the same. Contact the Board of Review at 309-672-6022 for further details.

I don’t know my parcel number, how can I get it?

Your Township Assessor can look up a parcel number by property address, or you can contact the Treasurer’s Office.

I own multiple parcels in the County. Can I pay with one check?

Yes you can. Please make sure your math is correct and list the parcel numbers of the properties you are paying on your check. Include the correct coupon(s) for each payment you are making.

If I pay by mail, how can I get a receipt?

Your cancelled check is your receipt. In addition, if you include a self addressed stamped envelope we will send a receipt back.

My mortgage company pays my taxes. Why did I get a bill?

Many mortgage companies pay electronically, and do not require a bill. We suggest that you contact your mortgage company to confirm this. A bill is mailed to you for your records.

My tax bill seems too high. How can I make sure it is correct?

We suggest that you call the Supervisor of Assessments office at 672-6910 to verify that you are receiving the exemptions for which you qualify. They can also answer any questions pertaining to your assessed valuation.

What happens if I am financially unable to pay my real estate taxes when they are due?

Failure to pay your taxes will allow them to be sold at the annual tax sale in November. After the sale takes place, additional penalties, interest (as much as 36% per year) and costs are added to the amount necessary to redeem your taxes through the County Clerk’s office. The state statutes control the legal responsibilities of the taxpayer and tax buyer. It is important to understand that at the tax sale your property is not being sold, only your delinquent taxes. In the event your taxes are sold, you will receive certified notice under the statute as to what actions you need to take. If you do not redeem your taxes in full at the end of the redemption period (usually 2-1/2 years), the tax buyer can actually acquire legal title to your property at that time.

What happens if I do not receive a real estate tax bill?

Failure to receive a bill does not excuse you from your real estate obligation. You should immediately contact our office and we will furnish you a copy of the original bill. This needs to be done before the due dates to avoid penalties.

What is the Owner Occupied Exemption?

The Owner Occupied Exemption reduces the assessment up to a maximum of $6,000 above the base year assessment. The Owner must live in the dwelling. No application is required. There is no age or income requirement.

What is Pleasure Driveway PKD that is listed on my tax bill as a Taxing Body?

Pleasure Driveway PKD is another name for the Peoria Park District.

What method of payment can I use?

Cash, checks, money orders and cashier checks are all accepted methods of payment. Please do not send cash when mailing your payment. Credit cards will also be accepted over the phone at 1-800-2PAYTAX (1-800-272-9829 and at the prompt enter jurisdiction code 2305) or via the web at www.peoriacounty.org and click on Pay Real Estate Taxes Here. A convenience fee based on the amount of your taxes will be charged for the use of this service and will be disclosed prior to the completion of your transaction.

When and where do I pay my property taxes?

Tax bills are sent to you by the County Treasurer. They can be paid directly to the Treasurer’s office (by mail or in person), to your township collector, by credit card or to local banks that accept tax payments. Tax payments are due June 4th and September 4th.

When is the annual tax sale?

The 2012 tax sale will be held November 4, 2013. Delinquent notices will be sent out around October 1st by certified mail.

Where and when do I file my Senior Freeze Exemption, and Senior Exemption?

These exemptions are filed with the County Assessor by September 1st and will be applied to the following year’s taxes. The Senior Exemption needs to be filed only once while the Senior Freeze Exemption needs to be filed annually. If you purchase a new property, exemptions need to be filed.

Where do I get a copy of a plat map?

The official copy of the plat is filed with the County Recorder.

Who do I make my check payable to?

Make your check payable to the Peoria County Collector.

State statutes require the pension portion of the tax levy to be broken out from the rest of the levy. A few years ago, only a single line for each tax body was displayed for the entire levy.