This week, property owners in DuPage County will begin receiving their 2016 property tax bills. As many might already know that while the average tax rate is down 4.94 percent, the average bill has increased.
“This has been another challenging year for property owners in DuPage County. While the average tax rate decreased by 1.76 percent, the average tax bill increased by 2.52 percent,” according to DuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry.
This could cause many, if not all taxpayers, to ask how their tax bills can increase when the tax rate decreased. For such situations, people in other states, like Texas, might choose to protest against high property taxes (see this blog for more) if they feel that the costs are unjustified, although it cannot be determined whether the residents of DuPage county will take that step or not. They will, however, likely want some kind of an explanation as to why they are paying more instead of less. Well, perhaps the answer can be found in the fact that the assessed property values have increased by an average of 6.7 percent in DuPage County, the second year in a row for an increase.
“While I know no one will be happy with this news, please know my office as well as the offices of the County Clerk and Township Assessors are acutely aware of the challenges taxpayers are facing. I want to assure you that we will continue to do our best to serve you,” said Henry.
“In that vein, I want taxpayers to be aware that included with their bill is a guide containing valuable information to know as you prepare to pay property taxes for the 2016 tax year. The guide provides answers to frequently asked questions concerning your property tax bill. It also offers information on a variety of options for paying your tax bill as well as important contact information and a tax year calendar of events,” Henry added. “Additionally, I want to encourage everyone, especially seniors, to carefully check your bill to ensure you are receiving every appropriate property tax exemption,” she continued.
Henry also noted that the largest tax bill in DuPage County was $3,269,355.22 and the smallest was $10.86. “I also think residents would be interested to learn that five railroads pay a total of $3,542,648.34 for their property in DuPage County,” she concluded.
Anyone with concerns or requiring any assistance is encouraged to contact the DuPage County Treasurer’s office at 630 407 5900 or online at treasurer.dupageco.org. ###
