Treasurer: Gwen Henry
Dear Property Owners:
It seems that the time to send out the real estate tax bills comes sooner each year. It really doesn’t. We send the bills out at the end of April each year. I have already received a number of calls wanting to know when the bills would be received
and how much they owe. As I write this letter, I do not know the amounts of the individual bills, but I understand that the average tax rate is down 2.12% with the average bill up 2.38%. Remember this is an average, so it may not be your experience.
I have yet to meet the “average”.
I am currently able to share some of the more interesting 2018 statistics. DuPage County added 324 additional parcels in the county for this tax year. Since we have no additional land, this increase comes from current parcels being divided. The assessed
property value in the County increased by 4.5% in 2018, the fourth year in a row for an increase. We will collect approximately $2,877, 001,757 and we will distribute the funds to the appropriate taxing bodies.
There are three critical factors in determining what you pay. The first is the assessed value of your property. 2019 will be a “general assessment year.” During this year, the assessor will view and determine as near as practicable the value of each
property. It is essential you review the information provided by the assessor. If you think there is a problem with your assessed value, contact your local assessor. The telephone number is on your bill.
The second factor is exemptions you might be eligible to receive. The most often missed is the senior exemption. The senior exemptions this year are on 62,891 parcels. If you are 65 or older, check to make sure you have this exemption. There have
been instances where taxpayers in their eighties have never benefited from the exemption.
The third factor is the tax rate. It appears on the lower left side of the tax bill. The rate is computed by the County Clerk using the assessed value and the tax levies. Your tax rate may decrease but the tax increase if the assessed value increases.
The Treasurer’s team is ready to assist you with your questions and payments. Our website is available 24/7. It has some interesting information about your property including: Property Tax distributions; Assessment information regarding your property;
a five (5) year Property Tax history as well as a Sale History or your property. You can also print a duplicate bill. We urge you to consider using ePay for your payments.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact my office at 630-407-5900 or propertytaxadvocate@dupageco.org. It is a privilege to serve you.
Gwen Henry, CPA, DuPage County Treasurer
Was my Senior Freeze Exemption omitted for 2018 bill?
Some Senior Freeze Homestead Exemptions were not reflected on the 2018 tax bill.