McLean County Property Tax Appeal — Illinois

Rob Hartley·Updated March 5, 2026

McLean County is Illinois' largest county by land area, with its county seat in Bloomington and major population centers in the twin cities of Bloomington and Normal. As of 2020, the county had a population of 170,954 residents, making the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area the seventh-largest in Illinois. Property tax appeals are particularly important here because McLean County has one of the highest effective property tax rates in Illinois at 2.62%, which is more than 2.5 times the national median of 1.02%. With median annual tax bills around $4,175 to $4,696 depending on location, homeowners face a significantly higher tax burden than the national median of $2,400, making appeals a critical tool for reducing excessive assessments.

Notable cities: Bloomington, Normal, LeRoy, Lexington, Hudson

Median Home

$163,629

Tax Rate

2.62%

Annual Tax

$4,175

Population

170,954

2026 Appeal Deadline: 30 days after the publication date for your township

McLean County publishes assessment notices by township in phases beginning in spring (typically late August through September). Property owners have exactly 30 days from the publication date shown for their specific township to file an assessment complaint with the Board of Review. Publication dates vary by township and are posted on the county website. If a complaint is filed late, the appeal will not be heard.

Property in McLean County, Illinois — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How McLean County Assesses Property

33.33%of market value

Assessed by: McLean County Supervisor of Assessments (Chief County Assessment Officer)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically mid-April through May)

In McLean County, properties are assessed annually at 33.33% of their fair market value, as required by Illinois law. The assessment is based on a three-year lookback of sales data to determine current market value. For example, if your home's fair market value is $163,629 (the county median), at Illinois's 33.33% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $54,543. After applying any exemptions such as the $6,000 General Homestead Exemption, your equalized assessed value would be $48,543, resulting in approximately $4,275 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 2.62%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. After filing your complaint, the Board of Review will schedule a hearing where you can present evidence supporting your requested assessment reduction. The Board evaluates comparable sales, property condition, and other evidence to determine if your assessment should be adjusted. The Board's clerk is the Chief County Assessment Officer who facilitates the hearing process.

Step 1: Obtain your assessment notice which shows your property's assessed value and the publication date for your township. Assessment notices are mailed in phases each spring, typically reaching mailboxes by mid-April through May.

Step 2: Research comparable property sales in your neighborhood to support your appeal. Gather evidence such as recent sale prices of similar homes, photos showing property condition or defects, and any repair estimates for issues affecting value.

Step 3: Complete the PTAX-230 Non-Farm Property Assessment Complaint Form within 30 days of your township's publication date. The form requires your requested assessment value (both land and improvement breakdown) and supporting documentation for your claim.

Step 4: Submit your completed complaint form with all evidence to the McLean County Board of Review via online portal, mail, email, or in-person delivery. Ensure your filing is postmarked or received within the 30-day deadline, as late appeals will not be heard.

Step 5: Attend your Board of Review hearing. If your complaint is timely filed and complete, you will be assigned a hearing date and notified of the time and location. Present your evidence to the Board, which consists of members who will review your assessment and make a decision.

Step 6: If you disagree with the Board of Review's decision, you can appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) within 30 days of the Board of Review's final decision. File form PTAB-RES-APP (for residential property) with PTAB in Springfield.

Step 7: If still unsatisfied after the PTAB decision, you may file an administrative review in the circuit court within 35 days of the PTAB decision, though this step typically requires legal representation.

Required form: PTAX-230 Non-Farm Property Assessment Complaint Form

Filing Methods

online:Complete and submit digitally through the McLean County online portal at mcleanil.seamlessdocs.com/f/PTAX230NonFarm

mail:Mail to: McLean County Board of Review, P.O. Box 2400, Bloomington, IL 61702-2400

in-person:Hand deliver to: McLean County Supervisor of Assessments, 115 E. Washington St., Room 101, Bloomington, IL 61701 during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

email:Email to: assessor@mcleancountyil.gov

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data showing recent sale prices of similar properties in your areaPhotos of your property showing condition, defects, or issues affecting valueRepair estimates or contractor bids for significant property issuesProfessional appraisal report (if available)Documentation of property characteristics that differ from assessment records

McLean County Assessor Contact

McLean County Supervisor of Assessments

Phone: (309) 888-5130

Address: 115 E. Washington St., Room 101, Bloomington, IL 61701 (Physical) | P.O. Box 2400, Bloomington, IL 61702-2400 (Mailing)

Website: https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/76/Assessor

Online Portal: https://mcleanil.seamlessdocs.com/f/PTAX230NonFarm

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

Tax Exemptions in McLean County

General Homestead Exemption

Up to $6,000 reduction in EAV (the increase above the 1977 EAV)

Reduces the equalized assessed value (EAV) for owner-occupied primary residences

Eligibility: Available for residential property occupied as the principal dwelling by the owner or lessee with equitable interest and obligation to pay property taxesDeadline: Initial application required; automatically renewed annually once approved

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value (EAV)

Provides an assessment reduction for qualifying seniors age 65 and older

Eligibility: Must be 65 years old or older during the assessment year, own or have legal/equitable interest in the property, occupy as principal residence, and be liable for property taxes. Income limits apply - household income must qualify or be enrolled in alternative income programs.Deadline: Initial application (Form PTAX-324) required; annual renewal (Form PTAX-340) must be filed each year, typically mailed around February 1

Senior Freeze (Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption)

Varies - freezes EAV at base year value; benefit equals current EAV minus frozen base year value

Freezes the property's equalized assessed value at the base year level when the senior first qualifies, preventing increases due to inflation

Eligibility: Age 65+, owner-occupied principal residence, household income limit of $55,000, resided in property for at least 3 years (with exceptions for nursing home stays), no delinquent property taxesDeadline: Must file annually with Form PTAX-340 by the date the Board of Review adjourns

Disabled Persons' Homestead Exemption

$2,000 reduction in equalized assessed value (EAV)

Reduces assessed value for property owners with disabilities

Eligibility: Disabled person who owns property or has legal/equitable interest, occupies as principal residence, and is liable for property taxes. Proof of disability required.Deadline: Annual application required by December 31 of the tax year; proof of disability must be submitted with application and yearly renewal

Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption

$2,500 exemption for 30-49% disability; $5,000 exemption for 50-69% disability; Complete property tax exemption for 70%+ disability

Provides assessment reduction based on VA service-connected disability percentage

Eligibility: Veteran with service-connected disability certified by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who owns qualifying propertyDeadline: Annual application required by December 31 of the tax year; current VA benefits letter showing disability percentage must be submitted annually

Homestead Improvement Exemption

Up to $75,000 market value ($25,000 assessed value) per year for four years

Exempts the added value from new improvements or rebuilding for four years

Eligibility: Homestead property with new improvements (remodeling, additions) or rebuilding after catastrophic eventDeadline: Generally granted automatically in McLean County; Form PTAX-323 may be required in some cases

Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value (EAV) for two years

Two-year exemption for veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict

Eligibility: Veteran returning from active duty in armed conflict involving U.S. armed forces, for the year returned home and following yearDeadline: Must file Form PTAX-341 application upon return from active duty

Official Resources

McLean County Supervisor of Assessments - Official Website →

Access assessment information, exemption applications, Board of Review details, and contact information for McLean County's assessment office.

McLean County Online Property Tax Appeal Form (PTAX-230) →

File your property tax assessment complaint online through McLean County's digital portal for non-farm properties.

McLean County Property Tax Inquiry System →

Look up property tax bills, assessment values, payment history, and parcel information for any property in McLean County.

Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) →

State-level appeals board for contesting Board of Review decisions, with forms, filing instructions, and eFiling portal for second-level appeals.

Illinois Department of Revenue - Property Tax Exemptions Guide →

Comprehensive information about all Illinois property tax exemptions including homestead, senior, disabled veteran, and other exemption programs with application forms.

McLean County Appeal Statistics

% Who Appeal

approximately 1.4% (about 1,000 complaints per year out of 69,000 properties)

Check Your McLean County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your McLean County property is overassessed.

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Property owners in McLean County have 30 days after the publication date shown for their township to file an assessment appeal with the Board of Review. Publication dates vary by township and occur in phases beginning in late August through September each year. The specific publication date for your township will be shown on your assessment notice, which is typically mailed in spring (mid-April through May). You can also check the McLean County Assessor website for publication schedules by township. Missing this 30-day deadline means your appeal will not be heard, so it's critical to file promptly after receiving your notice.

How do I file a property tax appeal online in McLean County?

McLean County offers online filing through their SeamlessDocs portal at mcleanil.seamlessdocs.com/f/PTAX230NonFarm. To file online, complete the PTAX-230 Non-Farm Property Assessment Complaint Form electronically, providing your property information, requested assessment reduction with land and improvement breakdown, and upload all supporting evidence such as comparable sales, photos, and repair estimates. The online system allows you to submit your appeal digitally without mailing paper forms. You can also email your completed form to assessor@mcleancountyil.gov, mail it to P.O. Box 2400, Bloomington, IL 61702-2400, or hand-deliver it to Room 101 at 115 E. Washington St. during business hours.

What is the homestead exemption worth in McLean County?

The General Homestead Exemption in McLean County provides up to a $6,000 reduction in your property's equalized assessed value (EAV), which translates to approximately $400-500 in annual tax savings depending on your local tax rate. This exemption reduces the increase in your property's EAV above the 1977 base value, up to a maximum of $6,000. For example, if your home's EAV is $50,000 and you qualify for the full $6,000 exemption, your taxable EAV becomes $44,000. At McLean County's typical tax rate, this exemption saves approximately $400 per year. Senior citizens age 65+ qualify for an additional $5,000 Senior Homestead Exemption, and those meeting income requirements can benefit from the Senior Freeze exemption which prevents assessment increases.

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

To win your McLean County property tax appeal, you need strong comparable sales evidence showing that similar properties in your area recently sold for less than your assessed value would indicate. Gather sale prices of at least 3-5 comparable homes (similar size, age, condition, location) that sold within the past 12-36 months. Include photos documenting any property defects, needed repairs, or conditions that negatively affect value. Obtain written repair estimates from licensed contractors for significant issues like foundation problems, roof damage, or outdated systems. If your property has unique features that differ from the assessor's records (such as less square footage, fewer bathrooms, or inferior construction quality), provide documentation proving these discrepancies. A professional appraisal can be powerful evidence, though it's not required for most residential appeals.

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

The potential savings from a McLean County property tax appeal depends on how much you can reduce your assessed value. For every $1,000 reduction in your equalized assessed value (EAV), you'll save approximately $70-80 per year in property taxes at the county's typical rates. If you successfully reduce your assessed value by $10,000, that's roughly $700-800 in annual tax savings. With McLean County's median home assessed at around $54,000 (after the 33.33% ratio), a successful 10% reduction would lower your assessment by $5,400 and save approximately $380-430 per year. Over a three-year period before the next reassessment, that's $1,140-1,290 in cumulative savings. Appeals are most successful when your assessment is demonstrably higher than comparable properties or when market values have declined.

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

At your McLean County Board of Review hearing, you'll present your evidence to board members explaining why your property's assessment should be reduced. The hearing is typically informal, lasting 15-30 minutes, where you can present comparable sales data, photographs, repair estimates, and testimony about your property's condition or features. The township assessor may also attend to defend the current assessment and present their evidence. Board members will ask questions and review all documentation submitted. After hearing both sides, the Board will make a decision to either uphold the current assessment, reduce it to your requested value, or set it at a different amount based on the evidence. You'll receive a written decision, typically within several weeks. If you disagree with the Board's decision, you have 30 days to appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB).

When will I receive my property assessment notice in McLean County for 2026 taxes?

McLean County mails assessment notices for the 2025 assessment year (taxes payable in 2026) in phases beginning in late August through September, with most property owners receiving notices by mid-April through May of the following spring. The exact timing depends on your township, as the county publishes assessments by township in phases. Your assessment notice will contain your property's current and prior assessed values, the market value determination, any equalization factors applied, and most importantly, the publication date for your township. This publication date triggers your 30-day appeal window. The county mails notices to all 69,000+ properties, so delivery may take several weeks. If you haven't received your notice by May, contact the Supervisor of Assessments at (309) 888-5130 to verify your mailing address and request a duplicate notice.

Can I appeal to the state if I lose my McLean County Board of Review appeal?

Yes, if you disagree with the McLean County Board of Review's decision, you can appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) within 30 days of receiving the Board of Review's final decision. PTAB is a state-level quasi-judicial body that provides an unbiased forum for contesting property assessments. To appeal to PTAB, you must file the appropriate appeal form (PTAB-RES-APP for residential properties) along with one copy of your evidence and the Board of Review's decision. PTAB appeals can be filed online through their eFiling portal at ptab.illinois.gov, or by mail to their Springfield office. The PTAB filing deadline is strict - postmark must be within 30 days of the Board of Review decision date. If still unsatisfied after PTAB's decision, you have a final option to file an administrative review in circuit court within 35 days, though this typically requires an attorney.

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

Champaign County (Champaign)Cook County (Chicago)DeKalb County (Sycamore)DuPage County (Naperville)Grundy County (Morris)Kane County (Aurora)

← All Illinois property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/76/Assessor | https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/109/Filing-an-Assessment-Complaint | https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/554/Homestead-Exemptions | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/illinois/mclean-county | https://www.ptab.illinois.gov/ | https://tax.illinois.gov/localgovernments/property/taxrelief.html | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLean_County,_Illinois

Last verified: 2026-03-05