Champaign County Property Tax Appeal, Illinois

Travis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Champaign County is located in east-central Illinois with Urbana serving as the county seat, approximately 135 miles southwest of Chicago. Major population centers include the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as smaller communities like Rantoul, Savoy, and Mahomet. With a median home value of $205,100 and an effective tax rate of 2.07%, Champaign County's median annual property tax bill of $4,245 substantially exceeds both the national median of $2,690 and the Illinois state median of $2,782. The county ranks 20th among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate and is in the top 25% of all U.S. counties for property tax burden, making accurate assessments critical for homeowners.

Notable cities: Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul, Savoy, Mahomet

Median Home

$205,100

Tax Rate

2.07%

Annual Tax

$4,245

Population

210,766

On the typical Champaign County home, valued near $205,100 at the county’s effective tax rate of 2.07%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: July 1 through September 10, 2026

The Champaign County Board of Review accepts assessment appeals from July 1 through September 10 each year. Property owners also have a minimum of 30 days from the date their assessment changes are published in the newspaper to file an appeal. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring (March-April), and all assessments are finalized by mid-July.

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Aerial view of an Illinois residential neighborhood. Champaign County appeal guide.

How Champaign County Assesses Property

33.33%of market value

Assessed by: Champaign County Supervisor of Assessments and Township Assessors

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (March-April)

In Champaign County, property is assessed annually at 33.33% (one-third) of its fair market value, as mandated by Illinois law. Individual township assessors evaluate properties as of January 1 and the Supervisor of Assessments may apply township multipliers to ensure assessments reflect the proper ratio. For example, if your home's market value is $205,100, at Illinois's 33.33% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $68,367, resulting in approximately $4,245 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 2.07%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. Hearings are typically conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams or Zoom and are scheduled at 30-minute intervals, with time equally divided between the property owner and the assessor. You will present your evidence showing why your assessment is incorrect or unfair, and the assessor may present their valuation analysis.

Step 1: Contact your local Township Assessor for an informal review as soon as you receive your assessment notice in spring (March-April). The Township Assessor is most familiar with your property and may adjust your assessment based on additional information you provide about errors in the property record card or recent sales data.

Step 2: If the Township Assessor does not resolve your concerns, obtain the appropriate Champaign County Property Assessment Complaint Form from the Board of Review office or the county website (available beginning July 1st). Use the residential form for homes, commercial form for business properties, or farm form for agricultural land.

Step 3: Complete the complaint form with your requested reduction in assessed value and indicated market value. Gather supporting evidence including comparable sales within the past 12-24 months, photographs showing property condition, repair estimates for defects, and your property record card showing any errors in square footage, room count, or other features.

Step 4: File your completed complaint form and all supporting evidence with the Champaign County Board of Review between July 1 and September 10, 2026. You can file in person at the Brookens Administrative Center, by mail, or by email to bor@co.champaign.il.us. The Board will schedule a hearing, typically conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Step 5: Attend your Board of Review hearing (hearings are scheduled at 30-minute intervals). Present your evidence demonstrating that your property's assessed value exceeds its fair market value or is inequitable compared to similar properties. The Board will issue a written decision, typically within 60-90 days of filing.

Step 6: If the Board of Review denies your appeal or you disagree with their decision, you may file a further appeal with the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) within 30 days of the Board of Review's decision. PTAB appeals require specific forms and must include all evidence.

Step 7: If PTAB denies your appeal, you may appeal to the Circuit Court of Champaign County as a final option. Court appeals must be filed within 30 days of the PTAB decision and typically require legal representation.

Required form: Champaign County Property Assessment Complaint Form (separate forms for residential, commercial, and farm properties)

Filing Methods

in-person:Brookens Administrative Center, 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana, IL 61802

mail:Champaign County Board of Review, Brookens Administrative Center, 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana, IL 61802

email:bor@co.champaign.il.us

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar properties sold within the past 12-24 monthsPhotographs of the property showing condition or defectsProperty record card highlighting errors in square footage, room count, or featuresRepair estimates or inspection reports documenting needed repairsProfessional appraisal (optional but helpful for high-value properties)

Champaign County Assessor Contact

Champaign County Supervisor of Assessments

Phone: (217) 384-3760

Address: Brookens Administrative Center, 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana, IL 61802

Website: https://www.champaigncountyil.gov/ccao/assessor.php

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tax Exemptions in Champaign County

General Homestead Exemption

$6,000 reduction in EAV (saves approximately $124-140/year at county rates)

Reduces the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of owner-occupied primary residences

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your principal residence on January 1 of the assessment year and be liable for property taxesDeadline: Must apply initially; generally continues annually after approval. Contact County Assessment Office at (217) 384-3760

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in EAV (in addition to General Homestead Exemption)

Additional exemption for homeowners age 65 and older

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older during the assessment year, own or have legal/equitable interest in the property, occupy as principal residence, and be liable for property taxesDeadline: Must be renewed annually using Form PTAX-324

Senior Assessment Freeze (Homestead Exemption)

Freezes EAV (not tax bill) at initial qualification level

Freezes the Equalized Assessed Value at the level when first qualified, protecting from assessment increases

Eligibility: Age 65+, combined household income of $65,000 or less, own and occupy as principal residence. Can be stacked with General Homestead and Senior Citizens exemptions.Deadline: Annual application required; income threshold raised to $65,000 for 2026

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities

$2,000 annual reduction in EAV

Provides reduction for qualifying disabled homeowners

Eligibility: Must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to result in death or last at least 12 months. Must own, occupy as principal residence, and be liable for property taxes.Deadline: Initial application on Form PTAX-343; must be renewed annually with Form PTAX-343-R

Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead Exemption

30-49% disability: $2,500 EAV reduction; 50-69% disability: $5,000 EAV reduction; 70%+ disability: first $250,000 of EAV fully exempt from taxation

Tiered exemption based on service-connected disability rating certified by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Eligibility: Illinois resident who served in U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces with at least 30% service-connected disability. WWII veterans exempt regardless of disability rating (beginning 2024). Must own, occupy as principal residence.Deadline: File Form PTAX-342 with Supervisor of Assessments; must be renewed annually

Returning Veterans Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in EAV

One-time exemption for veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict

Eligibility: Must have served in U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces and returned from active duty in armed conflict during the assessment year. Own and occupy as principal residence.Deadline: May only be claimed in the year the veteran returns from active duty; if deployed again, may claim again upon second return

Veterans with Disabilities Exemption for Specially Adapted Housing

$100,000 reduction in assessed value

For total and permanent service-connected disabled veterans who received federal, state, or charitable assistance for specially adapted housing

Eligibility: Must be total and permanent service-connected disabled veteran who received financial assistance to purchase or modify home to accommodate disabilitiesDeadline: Contact County Assessment Office at (217) 384-3760

Champaign County Appeal Packet · $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Champaign County for 2026?

The Champaign County Board of Review accepts assessment appeals from July 1 through September 10, 2026. Additionally, you have a minimum of 30 days from the date your assessment changes are published in the newspaper to file an appeal, whichever deadline is later. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring (March-April), so it's important to review your notice immediately upon receipt. Before filing with the Board of Review, you should first contact your Township Assessor for an informal review, as they may be able to resolve your concerns without a formal appeal. The Township Assessor is most familiar with your specific property and can make adjustments based on errors or new information you provide.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Champaign County online or by mail?

Champaign County does not currently offer online filing for property tax appeals through a web portal. You must file your appeal using the official Champaign County Property Assessment Complaint Form, which is available on the county website beginning July 1st or at the Board of Review office during regular business hours. You can submit your completed form and evidence by mail to Champaign County Board of Review, Brookens Administrative Center, 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana, IL 61802, by email to bor@co.champaign.il.us, or in person at the same address. Make sure to use the current year's form (2025 or 2026 form, depending on the assessment year) as older forms will be dismissed. Include all supporting evidence such as comparable sales data, photographs, and documentation of errors with your initial filing.

What is the General Homestead Exemption worth in Champaign County and how do I apply?

The General Homestead Exemption in Champaign County reduces your property's Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) by $6,000 for owner-occupied residences. At the county's median effective tax rate of 2.07%, this exemption saves approximately $124 per year in property taxes. This exemption is NOT automatic and requires you to file an application with the Champaign County Assessment Office. To apply, contact the County Assessment Office at (217) 384-3760 or email Assessor@co.champaign.il.us to request the application form. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence on January 1 of the assessment year and be liable for the payment of property taxes. Once granted, the exemption generally continues annually without needing to reapply, but you should verify your exemptions are applied correctly on each tax bill.

What happens at a Board of Review hearing in Champaign County?

Board of Review hearings in Champaign County are typically conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, though the format may vary. Hearings are scheduled at 30-minute intervals, with time equally divided between you (the appellant) and the township assessor or intervenor. You will receive a notice of hearing with the date, time, and instructions for obtaining the virtual meeting link by emailing bor@co.champaign.il.us. During the hearing, you present your evidence demonstrating that your property's assessed value is incorrect or unfair compared to similar properties. The assessor may present their own evidence supporting the current assessment. You should prepare to discuss comparable sales, property condition issues, errors in the property record card, or other factors affecting your home's value. After the hearing, the Board will issue a written decision, typically within 60-90 days, either upholding the assessment, reducing it, or in rare cases adjusting it upward based on the evidence presented.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Champaign County?

The amount you can save depends on how much your property is over-assessed. In Champaign County, with a median home value of $205,100 and an effective tax rate of 2.07%, even a 10% over-assessment means you're overpaying approximately $425 per year. If you successfully prove your home's market value is $185,000 instead of $205,100, your assessed value would decrease from $68,367 to $61,667 (at the 33.33% assessment ratio), saving you about $416 annually. Higher-value properties or larger over-assessments can result in savings of $1,000 or more per year. These savings continue year after year until your next assessment increase, making appeals particularly valuable. National statistics show that about 25% of homes are over-assessed by an average of $1,346 annually, though individual results vary based on the strength of your evidence and the accuracy of comparable sales data you provide.

What evidence do I need for a successful Champaign County property tax appeal?

The most critical evidence for a successful appeal in Champaign County is recent comparable sales data from similar properties in your neighborhood that sold within the past 12-24 months for less than your assessed value implies. Your appeal should include at least 3-5 comparable properties with similar square footage, age, condition, and features. You should also obtain your property record card from the Township Assessor's office and highlight any errors in square footage, room count, garage size, basement finish, or other features that affect value. Photographs documenting property condition, needed repairs, or functional obsolescence strengthen your case, as do contractor estimates or inspection reports showing repair costs. For commercial properties or complex cases, a professional appraisal may be necessary. The Board of Review evaluates whether your property's estimated market value is inaccurate or unfair, so all evidence should demonstrate what a willing buyer would actually pay for your property in its current condition on the assessment date of January 1.

Can I appeal my Champaign County property taxes every year?

Yes, Illinois law gives you the right to appeal your property assessment annually if you believe your property is over-assessed. In Champaign County, properties are assessed every year as of January 1, and you can file a new appeal each year during the Board of Review complaint session from July 1 through September 10. Many homeowners who achieve successful reductions file appeals annually to maintain their lower assessments, especially if market values remain stable or decline while the assessor increases assessed values. However, each appeal requires new evidence demonstrating your current market value, so you'll need updated comparable sales data each year. Annual appeals are particularly important in Champaign County because assessments can increase significantly from year to year, and the only way to challenge these increases is through the formal appeal process. There is no penalty for filing, and your assessment cannot be increased through the appeal process unless you request a hearing and the assessor presents evidence of a higher value.

What is the difference between the Township Assessor and the Board of Review in the Champaign County appeal process?

In Champaign County, individual Township Assessors are responsible for the initial assessment of all properties within their township as of January 1 each year. They evaluate properties and submit their work to the County Supervisor of Assessments by June 15. If you disagree with your assessment, your first step should always be contacting your Township Assessor for an informal review - they can make corrections for errors in the property record card or adjust assessments based on information you provide, often resolving issues without a formal appeal. The Champaign County Board of Review is a separate three-member body that hears formal assessment complaints from July 1 through September 10 after the Township Assessor's informal review process. The Board of Review conducts hearings, reviews evidence from both property owners and assessors, and has the authority to increase, decrease, or uphold assessments. If you're dissatisfied with the Board of Review's decision, your next appeal level is the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB), followed by Circuit Court.

Official Resources

Champaign County Supervisor of Assessments →

Official county assessor website with property information, assessment resources, exemption forms, and taxpayer resources.

Champaign County Board of Review →

File assessment appeals, download complaint forms, and learn about the Board of Review hearing process and rules.

Champaign County Property Tax Search →

Search property records, view current assessments, tax bills, legal descriptions, sales history, and payment information by address or parcel number.

Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) →

State-level appeals board for challenging Board of Review decisions, with forms, instructions, and eFiling portal for attorney-represented appeals.

For state-wide appeal information including Illinois's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Illinois Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

Looking for help in Illinois? Compare Illinois property tax appeal services →

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Sources: https://www.champaigncountyil.gov/ccao/assessor.php | https://www.champaigncountyil.gov/BoardofReview/forms.php | https://www.appealdesk.com/appeals/illinois/champaign | https://taxbycounty.com/illinois/champaign-county | https://www.ptab.illinois.gov/ | https://www.champaigncountyil.gov/ccao/exemptions.php

Last verified: 2026-07-24