Jefferson County Property Tax Appeal, Illinois

Travis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Jefferson County is located in southern Illinois and has a population of approximately 37,113 according to the 2020 census. The county seat is Mount Vernon, which is also the largest city in the county. Other notable cities include Ina, Woodlawn, and Dix. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Jefferson County because homeowners face an effective tax rate of 1.43% to 1.82%, which is below the Illinois state median of 1.92% but significantly above the national median of 1.02%. With a median home value of approximately $80,739 to $85,800, Jefferson County homeowners typically pay between $1,228 and $1,350 annually in property taxes, which is well below the national median of $2,400.

Notable cities: Mount Vernon, Ina, Woodlawn, Dix

Median Home

$85,800

Tax Rate

1.43%

Annual Tax

$1,228

Population

37,113

On the typical Jefferson County home, valued near $85,800 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.43%, 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: April 2, 2026 for 2025 assessments

Jefferson County property owners must file appeals within 30 days after the publication of the assessment roll. For 2025 assessments, the deadline is April 2, 2026. The deadline is strictly enforced - late appeals will not be heard by the Board of Review.

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

How Jefferson County Assesses Property

33.33%of market value

Assessed by: Jefferson County Supervisor of Assessments

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically April-May)

Illinois law requires all residential property to be assessed at 33.33% of its fair market value. If your home's market value is $85,800 (Jefferson County's median), your assessed value would be $28,599 (85,800 x 0.3333). At the county's effective tax rate of 1.43%, this results in approximately $409 in annual taxes before any exemptions are applied. The assessed value is the figure that appears on your assessment notice and is used to calculate your property tax bill.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. The Jefferson County Board of Review consists of three members appointed by the County Board. They will review all submitted evidence and may schedule a hearing where you can present your case in person. Board members will ask questions about your property and evidence. The board's decision is based on whether your assessment is fair compared to similar properties in the county.

Step 1: Request and review your property record card from the Supervisor of Assessments office at 618-244-8016 ext. 7. This card shows how your property was valued and all physical characteristics used in the assessment.

Step 2: Schedule an informal review with your township assessor or the County Supervisor of Assessments to discuss your concerns. Many assessment issues can be resolved at this stage without filing a formal appeal.

Step 3: Gather supporting evidence including recent comparable home sales in your neighborhood (within past 12-18 months), photographs showing property condition issues, repair estimates for any damage, and a recent appraisal if available.

Step 4: Complete Form PTAX-230 (Non-farm Assessment Complaint) available from the assessor's office or at www.jeffersoncounty.illinois.gov. Attach all evidence and mail or deliver to the Jefferson County Board of Review at 100 S 10th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 by the April 2, 2026 deadline.

Step 5: The Board of Review will review your evidence and may issue a tentative decision. If you agree with the decision, sign the hearing waiver. If not, you must appear at the scheduled hearing before the three-member Board of Review to present your case.

Step 6: After the hearing, you will receive a final written decision from the Board of Review. If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) within 30 days by filing the appropriate PTAB form.

Step 7: If still unsatisfied after PTAB's decision, you may file a tax objection complaint in the Circuit Court within 30 days of the PTAB decision as a final avenue of appeal.

Required form: Form PTAX-230 (Non-farm Assessment Complaint)

Filing Methods

mail:Jefferson County Board of Review, 100 S 10th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

in-person:Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 South 10th Street, Room 2, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 during business hours 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday-Friday

phone:Contact the Board of Review at 618-244-8016 ext. 7 to request forms or ask questions

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from the past 12-18 months showing similar homes sold for lessPhotographs documenting property condition issues, damage, or functional obsolescenceProfessional appraisal conducted within the past yearRepair estimates or contractor invoices for needed workProperty record card showing incorrect property characteristics (square footage, bedrooms, etc.)Assessment data for comparable properties in your area showing your home is assessed higher

Jefferson County Assessor Contact

Jefferson County Supervisor of Assessments

Phone: 618-244-8016 ext. 7

Address: 100 South 10th Street, Room 2, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

Website: https://jeffersoncounty.illinois.gov/services/assessor/

Online Portal: https://jeffersonil.devnetwedge.com/

Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday

Tax Exemptions in Jefferson County

General Homestead Exemption

Up to $6,000 reduction in EAV

Also known as the Owner Occupied Exemption, this reduces the equalized assessed value (EAV) of your primary residence.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of the technical assessment date and be responsible for property taxes. The exemption amount is calculated by comparing the 1977 EAV with the current EAV.Deadline: Contact assessor's office for current deadline

Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in EAV

Provides an additional exemption for qualifying senior citizens who own and occupy their home as a primary residence.

Eligibility: Homeowners age 65 or older who meet the General Homestead requirements. You will receive a renewal application every year around January 1st.Deadline: Annually around January 1st when renewal is received

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption

Difference between frozen base EAV and current EAV

Allows qualifying seniors to freeze the assessed value of their residence at a base value, with the exemption being the difference between the base amount and current EAV. Note: This freezes assessed value, NOT your tax bill.

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older, own and occupy as primary residence as of January 1st, and meet household income requirements. Application sent annually with standard Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption.Deadline: Annually with renewal application

Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead Exemption

Varies based on disability rating

Provides property tax relief for qualifying disabled veterans on their primary residence.

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disabilities who own and occupy the property as their primary residence. Contact the Supervisor of Assessments office for specific eligibility requirements.Deadline: Contact assessor's office at 618-244-8016 ext. 7

Jefferson County Appeal Packet — $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The deadline to file a property tax appeal in Jefferson County is April 2, 2026 for the 2025 assessment year. This deadline is strictly enforced by the Board of Review, and appeals filed even one day late will not be accepted. The deadline is calculated as 30 days after the county publishes the assessment roll in local newspapers. You should receive an assessment notice in the spring (typically April-May) that includes information about the appeal deadline. To ensure you don't miss the deadline, contact the Jefferson County Board of Review at 618-244-8016 ext. 7 or visit the assessor's office at 100 South 10th Street in Mt. Vernon.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Jefferson County?

To file a property tax appeal in Jefferson County, you must complete Form PTAX-230 (Non-farm Assessment Complaint) and submit it with supporting evidence to the Board of Review by April 2, 2026. Before filing, it's recommended to schedule an informal review with the Supervisor of Assessments office at 618-244-8016 ext. 7 to discuss your assessment concerns. If the informal review doesn't resolve your issue, obtain Form PTAX-230 from the assessor's office or download it from the county website. Complete the form, attach all evidence (comparable sales, photos, appraisals), and submit it in person at 100 South 10th Street, Room 2, Mt. Vernon, or mail it to Jefferson County Board of Review at the same address. The original form must be filed - faxed or emailed copies are not accepted.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Jefferson County?

The General Homestead Exemption in Jefferson County can reduce your equalized assessed value (EAV) by up to $6,000. The actual exemption amount is calculated by comparing your property's 1977 EAV with the current EAV - if your EAV has increased since 1977, the amount of increase becomes your exemption up to the $6,000 maximum. For a typical Jefferson County home with an assessed value of $28,599, a $6,000 EAV reduction would save approximately $86 annually at the county's 1.43% effective tax rate. Senior citizens age 65 or older receive an additional $5,000 EAV reduction on top of the General Homestead Exemption, potentially saving another $71 per year. These exemptions must be applied for through the Supervisor of Assessments office and are not automatic.

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

The most effective evidence for a Jefferson County property tax appeal includes recent comparable sales data showing similar homes in your area sold for less than your assessed value would indicate. Gather sales from the past 12-18 months of homes with similar square footage, age, condition, and location. Also include clear photographs documenting any property condition issues, damage, or needed repairs that may reduce your home's value. Professional appraisals from licensed appraisers carry significant weight with the Board of Review. Written repair estimates from contractors and your property record card (obtained from the assessor's office) showing any incorrect information about your property's characteristics are also valuable. The Board of Review requires all evidence to be attached to Form PTAX-230 when you file your appeal - evidence submitted after filing may not be considered.

Can I appeal my Jefferson County property taxes every year?

Yes, you have the legal right to appeal your Jefferson County property assessment every year if you believe it is incorrect or unfairly high compared to similar properties. Illinois law gives property owners the right to contest their assessments annually. However, you must file within the strict 30-day deadline after the assessment roll is published each year. For the 2025 assessment year, the deadline is April 2, 2026. Jefferson County conducts assessments annually, so property owners should review their assessment notice each spring when it arrives. If your property value hasn't changed significantly and you successfully appealed in a previous year, you may want to monitor whether the assessor has maintained your reduced assessment. Keep in mind that filing an appeal does not guarantee a reduction, and you must provide substantial evidence each time you appeal.

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

The amount you can save through a property tax appeal in Jefferson County depends on how much your assessment is reduced. At Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.43%, every $1,000 reduction in your home's market value saves approximately $4.77 per year in property taxes. If your home is overassessed by $10,000, a successful appeal could save you about $48 annually. For a $20,000 assessment reduction, you'd save approximately $95 per year. Statistics show that about 25% of homes nationwide are overassessed by an average of $5,000, which would translate to roughly $24 in annual savings in Jefferson County. While these savings may seem modest compared to higher-tax counties, they compound over the years you own your home. Additionally, if you successfully appeal, you may prevent future over-assessments from compounding.

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

At a Jefferson County Board of Review hearing, you will appear before the three-member board to present your case for why your property assessment should be reduced. The hearing is typically informal and takes place at the Jefferson County Courthouse at 100 South 10th Street in Mt. Vernon. You'll have the opportunity to present your evidence, including comparable sales data, photographs, and appraisals. The Board members will ask questions about your property and the evidence you've provided. They may also have the assessor's representative present to explain how your assessment was determined. The hearing usually lasts 15-30 minutes depending on case complexity. After the hearing, the Board will issue a written final decision. If you're satisfied with the Board's tentative decision before the hearing, you can sign a hearing waiver and avoid appearing in person. If you disagree with the final decision, you have 30 days to appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value in Jefferson County?

In Jefferson County and throughout Illinois, your home's assessed value is calculated at exactly 33.33% of its fair market value as required by state law. The market value is what your home would sell for on the open market, while the assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property tax bill. For example, if your home has a market value of $85,800 (Jefferson County's median), your assessed value would be $28,599 ($85,800 x 0.3333). Your property tax bill is then calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the local tax rate. Understanding this distinction is crucial when appealing - you need to prove your market value is lower than what the assessor determined, which will automatically result in a proportional reduction in assessed value. When gathering comparable sales evidence for an appeal, you'll compare actual sale prices (market values), not assessed values.

Official Resources

Jefferson County Assessor Website →

Official county assessor site with property tax information, exemption applications, and Board of Review details.

Jefferson County Property Tax Inquiry Portal →

Online portal to search property records, view assessments, and look up tax information by parcel number or address.

Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) →

State-level appeals board for property owners dissatisfied with Board of Review decisions, includes forms and e-filing portal.

Illinois Department of Revenue Property Tax Resources →

State guidance on property tax assessment, appeals process, and links to educational resources and publications.

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 →

More Illinois Counties

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← All Illinois property tax appeal info

Sources: https://jeffersoncounty.illinois.gov/services/assessor/ | https://cms2.revize.com/revize/jeffersoncounty/2025%20Publication%20Page-1%20(1).pdf | https://www.tax-rates.org/illinois/jefferson_county_property_tax | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/illinois/jefferson-county | https://tax.illinois.gov/localgovernments/property/appeals.html | https://www.ptab.illinois.gov/

Last verified: 2026-07-22