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1. My assessed value declined; why did my tax bill increase?

Your taxes may be higher than they were last year for any or all of three general reasons:

• The local governments (such as schools and municipalities) in your area may have approved a higher tax levy than last year.
• You may not be receiving all of the exemptions for which your property is eligible.
• Other properties in your area may qualify for one or more exemptions for which you are not eligible.

2. If I think my assessment is incorrect, is it too late to file an assessment complaint?

Generally, yes; by state law, complaints to the Board of Review must have been filed within 30 days after the roll is published in the newspaper. The only exception is if there is a discrepancy in the physical data about your property, such as the assessment being based on a 2,400-square-foot house when you actually have a 2,200-square-foot house. To compare your property's physical attributes to the assessment records, contact your Township Assessor or County Assessment Office.

3. Does Lee County decide how much in property tax that the local governments (such as schools and municipalities) in my area can levy?

No, each local government makes this decision independently. Lee County has no authority to issue any property tax levy but its own.

4. How does the Tax Cap Law apply to Lee County?

Lee County is under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law which places a limitation on the total amount of property tax that can be levied by most local governments. Generally, the law limits the increase of a local government's tax levy by 5% or the rate of inflation (whichever is less) over the highest extension of the prior three years. The tax caps are not applicable to:

• Increases due to newly constructed property
• Bonded indebtedness of a local government
• Increases approved by the voters through referenda

5. What will happen if I don’t pay my property taxes?

Your taxes will be sold at the annual tax sale. If your taxes are sold, you will retain the right to redeem your property. To redeem it, you will have to pay costs and interest in addition to any tax due. For more information, contact the Tax Redemption Department of the County Clerk's Office.

6. If have further questions about my tax bill. Who do I contact?

• For questions about assessments, exemptions or appeals, call the Lee County Assessment Office at 815-288-4483.
• For questions about how tax rates are developed, call the Lee County Clerk Tax Extension Department at 815-288-3309.
• For questions about tax bills or payments, call the Lee County Treasurer at 815-288-4477.