Where to find Will County property tax information
Will County maintains property tax records through the Assessor's Office and the Treasurer's Office, and both have searchable databases online. The Will County Assessor's website lets you look up assessed values, property descriptions, and exemptions by address or parcel number. The Will County Treasurer's website shows tax bills, payment history, and amounts owed. You do not need to visit an office in person — most searches happen through these two websites.
The Assessor's database is the place to start if you want to know what the county says your property is worth and how it is classified. The Treasurer's database is where you check what you actually owe and whether a payment has been recorded. Both are public records, and both are free to search.
Key Takeaways
- Will County Assessor's Office maintains property values and descriptions; Will County Treasurer's Office maintains tax bills and payment records — you may need to check both depending on what you are looking for.
- You can search by street address or parcel number on either website, and results are available immediately without creating an account.
- Assessed value and tax bill are different things — the assessed value is what the county says the property is worth; the tax bill is the amount you owe based on that value and local tax rates.
- If you find an error in the assessed value, you can file a formal objection with the Assessor's Office, but the deadline is typically early in the calendar year.
How to search the Assessor's database
Go to the Will County Assessor's website and look for the property search tool. Enter your street address or parcel number. The search will return the assessed value, the property class (residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.), square footage, lot size, and any exemptions on file. You will also see the year of the last assessment and whether an appeal is pending.
The assessed value shown is not the same as market value or what you could sell the property for. It is the value the county uses to calculate your property tax bill. If you own the property outright or have a mortgage, the assessed value affects how much tax you pay each year.
If the property information looks wrong — wrong square footage, wrong number of bedrooms, or a building listed that you do not have — take note of the details. You will need them if you decide to file an objection.
How to search the Treasurer's database
The Will County Treasurer's website has a separate tax bill search. Enter your address or parcel number to see the current tax bill, the amount due, and the due date. You can also see payment history if you have made payments in the past. The search shows whether the bill is current, past due, or has been paid in full.
If a payment you made does not show up yet, it may still be processing. The Treasurer's Office typically records payments within one to two weeks of receipt, depending on the payment method. If more than two weeks have passed and the payment is still not showing, contact the Treasurer's Office directly with your receipt or confirmation number.
Understanding parcel numbers and how to find yours
A parcel number is a unique identifier assigned to each piece of property in Will County. It appears on your property tax bill, your deed, and in the county assessor's records. The format is usually a series of numbers separated by hyphens, like 12-34-567-890. If you have a recent tax bill, the parcel number is printed on it.
If you do not have a tax bill and do not know your parcel number, you can still search by street address on either the Assessor's or Treasurer's website. The search results will show your parcel number, which you can use for future searches or to reference when contacting the county.
What to do if you think your assessment is wrong
If the assessed value seems too high or the property information is inaccurate, you can file an objection with the Will County Assessor's Office. The deadline to file is typically the first Monday in September, though this date can vary by year. Check the Assessor's website for the exact deadline in the current year.
To file an objection, you will need to submit a form (available on the Assessor's website) along with supporting evidence — photographs, recent appraisals, comparable sales in your neighborhood, or documentation of property defects. The Assessor's Office will review your objection and may adjust the assessed value if they find an error.
If you disagree with the Assessor's decision, you can appeal to the Will County Board of Review. The Board of Review is a separate body that hears appeals after the Assessor has made a decision. Deadlines for Board of Review appeals are also strict and are posted on the Assessor's website.
Accessing records in person or by phone
If you prefer not to search online, you can visit the Will County Assessor's Office or Treasurer's Office in person during business hours. Both offices are located in the Will County Courthouse in Joliet. You will need to bring a photo ID and either your address or parcel number.
You can also call the Assessor's Office or Treasurer's Office to ask questions about your property record or tax bill. Staff can look up information over the phone and explain what you are seeing in the online database. Phone numbers and office hours are listed on the Will County website.
Common reasons property tax records show unexpected information
Assessed values change every year, and the change is not always proportional to what happened to your property. The county reassesses all properties on a regular cycle, and market conditions, new construction nearby, or changes to comparable properties can affect your value even if your own property did not change.
Tax bills may also include charges beyond the base property tax — school district taxes, municipal taxes, library taxes, and special assessment districts all add to the total. If your bill went up significantly, check whether a new taxing body was added to your property or whether an existing rate increased.
If a property is listed as having an exemption (homeowner exemption, senior exemption, disability exemption, etc.), the assessed value may be lower than it would be without the exemption. If you think you may have access to for an exemption you do not currently have, contact the Assessor's Office about the application process and deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see someone else's property tax information?
Yes. Property tax records are public records in Illinois, and anyone can search for any property in Will County using the Assessor's or Treasurer's website. You do not need permission from the property owner, and the county does not restrict access based on who you are.
How often are the online databases updated?
The Assessor's database is updated annually, usually in the spring after the assessment roll is finalized. The Treasurer's database is updated more frequently as payments are recorded, typically within one to two weeks of receipt. Check the county website for specific update schedules.
What if I cannot find my property in the search results?
Try searching by parcel number instead of address, or vice versa. If the property is very new, it may not yet appear in the online database. Contact the Assessor's or Treasurer's Office directly with your address and they can confirm whether the property is in the system and provide the parcel number.
Can I download or print my tax bill from the Treasurer's website?
Yes. Most county websites allow you to view and print tax bills directly from the search results. Some also offer the option to download a PDF. If you need an official copy for a lender or other purpose, you can request one from the Treasurer's Office.
How do I pay my Will County property taxes online?
The Treasurer's website usually has a link to an online payment portal where you can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. You will need your parcel number and the amount due. Some payment methods charge a processing fee, which is disclosed before you complete the transaction.