St. Clair County Property Tax Appeal — Illinois

Rob Hartley·Updated March 5, 2026

St. Clair County is located in southwestern Illinois, directly east of St. Louis, Missouri, as part of the Metro East region. With a population of approximately 257,400 as of the 2020 census, it is the ninth most populous county in Illinois. The county seat and largest city is Belleville, with other notable cities including East St. Louis, O'Fallon, Collinsville, and Swansea. Property tax appeals are particularly important in St. Clair County because the median effective tax rate of 2.55% is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Illinois state median of 2.35%, placing a substantial tax burden on homeowners.

Notable cities: Belleville, East St. Louis, O'Fallon, Collinsville, Swansea

Median Home

$122,400

Tax Rate

1.87%

Annual Tax

$2,291

Population

257,400

2026 Appeal Deadline: 30 days from the date assessment notices are published or mailed

Appeals to the St. Clair County Board of Review must be filed within 30 days after the St. Clair County Assessor publishes revised assessments. Assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring (April-May), and the Board of Review begins accepting appeals shortly thereafter, usually in May or June each year.

Property in St. Clair County, Illinois — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How St. Clair County Assesses Property

33.33%of market value

Assessed by: St. Clair County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: quadrennial

Notices typically mailed: spring (typically by mid-April to mid-May)

In St. Clair County, property taxes are based on the assessed value, which is calculated at 33.33% of the property's fair market value as mandated by Illinois law. For example, if your home's market value is $122,400 (the county median), your assessed value would be $40,800 ($122,400 × 0.3333). At the county's effective tax rate of 1.87%, this would result in approximately $2,291 in annual property taxes before exemptions.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. The St. Clair County Board of Review conducts hearings where you present your evidence to the three elected board members. You should bring comparable sales data, photographs, and documentation supporting your position. The Board will review your case and issue a written decision, which typically takes several weeks to months to process.

Step 1: Review your assessment notice when it arrives in spring (typically April-May). Check your property record card maintained by the St. Clair County Assessor for accuracy regarding your property's characteristics, square footage, and condition.

Step 2: Verify you are receiving all exemptions for which you qualify, including the General Homestead Exemption (up to $6,000), Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption ($5,000), and any other applicable exemptions.

Step 3: Gather evidence to support your appeal, including recent comparable home sales in your neighborhood (within the past 12-24 months), photographs showing property condition or defects, repair estimates for needed work, and a recent professional appraisal if available.

Step 4: Contact the St. Clair County Assessor's office first at 618-825-2704 to discuss your concerns informally. Many assessment issues can be resolved at this level without a formal appeal.

Step 5: If not satisfied, file a formal appeal with the St. Clair County Board of Review within 30 days of when assessments are published. Complete the required appeal form with your current assessment, your proposed assessment, and detailed reasons for the reduction request.

Step 6: Attend your Board of Review hearing and present your evidence. The three-member elected Board will review your case and issue a written decision on whether to adjust your assessment.

Step 7: 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 receiving the Board's written decision.

Step 8: As a final option, if administrative appeals are exhausted, you can file a Tax Objection Complaint with the St. Clair County Circuit Court Clerk within 75 days of the property tax second installment due date.

Required form: Board of Review appeal form (available from the Board of Review office)

Filing Methods

in-person:St. Clair County Board of Review, 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220

mail:St. Clair County Board of Review, 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220

phone:Call 618-825-2490 or main switchboard 618-277-6600 for forms and information

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable property sales (similar homes sold in past 12-24 months)Photographs of property showing condition or defectsProfessional appraisal reportRepair estimates for needed workProperty record card from assessor showing incorrect informationDocumentation of factors reducing property value

St. Clair County Assessor Contact

St. Clair County Assessor's Office

Phone: 618-825-2704

Address: 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220

Website: https://www.co.st-clair.il.us/departments/assessor

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

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

Tax Exemptions in St. Clair County

General Homestead Exemption

Up to $6,000 reduction in assessed value

Reduces the equalized assessed value (EAV) of owner-occupied residential property

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1 of the assessment year. Available for single-family homes, condominiums, and certain other residential properties.Deadline: One-time application required with the Assessor's office; automatically renews annually once approved

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value

Provides additional property tax relief for senior homeowners

Eligibility: Must be 65 years of age or older during the tax year, own and occupy the property as primary residence, and be liable for property taxes.Deadline: Apply during the year you turn 65; annual renewal required

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption

Exempts the increase in assessed value above the base year

Freezes the assessed value at the base year amount to prevent increases due to inflation

Eligibility: Must be 65 or older, have owned and occupied property for two consecutive years, meet household income requirements ($75,000 or less for tax year 2026 payable in 2027), and be liable for property taxes.Deadline: Annual application required; forms typically mailed to eligible seniors

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities

$2,000 reduction in equalized assessed value

Annual reduction for disabled homeowners

Eligibility: Must have a medically determinable disability, own or have legal interest in the property, occupy as primary residence, and be liable for property taxes. Requires physician certification.Deadline: Initial application required; must be renewed annually

Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

$2,500 reduction for 30-49% disability; $5,000 for 50-69% disability; up to $250,000 for 70% or greater disability

Provides graduated property tax relief based on service-connected disability percentage

Eligibility: Must be an Illinois resident veteran with service-connected disability certified by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, own and occupy property as primary residence.Deadline: Annual application required with certification from VA

Returning Veterans Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value for two consecutive years

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

Eligibility: Must be a veteran returning from active duty in armed conflict, own and occupy property as primary residence, and be liable for property taxes.Deadline: Apply upon return from active duty

Official Resources

St. Clair County Assessor's Office →

Official county assessor website for property assessments, exemptions, and property record information.

St. Clair County Board of Review →

File property tax assessment appeals and access Board of Review forms and information.

St. Clair County Property Tax Search →

Look up your property's assessment, tax history, and parcel information online.

Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) →

State-level appeals board for challenging Board of Review decisions with forms and filing instructions.

Check Your St. Clair County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your St. Clair County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in St. Clair County for 2026?

You must file your property tax appeal with the St. Clair County Board of Review within 30 days from the date the Assessor publishes the revised assessments. Assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring, usually between April and May, with the Board of Review beginning to accept appeals in May or June 2026. The exact deadline depends on when your specific assessment notice is published, so it's critical to file promptly upon receiving your notice. Missing this 30-day window means you'll have to wait until the next assessment year to appeal.

How do I file a property tax appeal with the St. Clair County Board of Review?

To file an appeal, first contact the St. Clair County Assessor's office at 618-825-2704 to review your property record card and attempt an informal resolution. If that doesn't resolve your concern, obtain a Board of Review appeal form by calling 618-825-2490 or visiting the office at 10 Public Square in Belleville. Complete the form with your current assessment, proposed assessment, and detailed justification. Submit it in person or by mail to the Board of Review within 30 days of your assessment notice publication date, along with supporting evidence such as comparable sales, photographs, and repair estimates.

What is the homestead exemption worth in St. Clair County?

The General Homestead Exemption in St. Clair County reduces your equalized assessed value by up to $6,000, which translates to annual tax savings of approximately $112 to $153 depending on your local tax rate. Senior citizens age 65 and older can receive an additional $5,000 reduction in assessed value. Combined, these exemptions can save eligible seniors between $187 and $280 annually. To maximize your savings, ensure you've applied for all exemptions you qualify for, including the General Homestead, Senior, and any disability or veteran exemptions.

What happens at a St. Clair County Board of Review hearing?

At your Board of Review hearing, you'll present your case before the three elected board members who review property tax assessments. You should bring all your evidence including recent comparable sales from your neighborhood, photographs showing property condition or defects, repair estimates, and any professional appraisals. The hearing is typically informal, and you'll have the opportunity to explain why you believe your assessment is too high. The Board members may ask questions about your property and evidence. After reviewing your case, they will issue a written decision that can take several weeks to months to receive.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in St. Clair County?

The potential savings from a successful appeal varies based on how much your assessment is reduced. In St. Clair County, with a median effective tax rate of 1.87%, every $1,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $18.70 per year in property taxes. If you successfully reduce your assessed value by $10,000, you would save about $187 annually. According to national statistics, about 25% of homes are overassessed by an average of $5,000 in market value, which at St. Clair County's 33.33% assessment ratio could mean potential savings of $31 per year. However, actual savings depend on your specific case and the evidence you present.

What evidence do I need for a successful St. Clair County property tax appeal?

The most compelling evidence includes recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value would indicate. Properties should be similar in size, age, condition, and location, and have sold within the past 12-24 months. Also gather photographs documenting any defects, damage, or unfavorable conditions affecting your property's value, such as foundation issues, outdated systems, or needed repairs. Professional appraisals, contractor repair estimates, and documentation of errors on your property record card (incorrect square footage, wrong number of rooms, etc.) also strengthen your case significantly.

Can I appeal my St. Clair County property taxes online in 2026?

Currently, St. Clair County does not offer a fully online appeal filing system for the Board of Review. You must file your appeal either in person at the Board of Review office located at 10 Public Square in Belleville, or by mailing your completed appeal form and supporting documentation to that address. However, you can access property information and look up your assessment online at https://stclairil.devnetwedge.com/. For questions about the appeal process or to request forms, call the Board of Review at 618-825-2490 or the main county switchboard at 618-277-6600.

What if I disagree with the St. Clair County Board of Review decision on my appeal?

If you're not satisfied with the Board of Review's decision, you have the right to appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) within 30 days of receiving the Board's written decision. The PTAB is a state-level body that provides an independent review of your assessment. You must file a petition using PTAB's prescribed forms and include evidence supporting your position. If you're still unsatisfied after the PTAB decision, you can file a Tax Objection Complaint with the St. Clair County Circuit Court Clerk, which must be filed within 75 days of the property tax second installment due date. This judicial appeal is typically more complex and may require legal representation.

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 →

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← All Illinois property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.co.st-clair.il.us/departments/assessor | https://www.co.st-clair.il.us/departments/board-of-review | https://www.co.st-clair.il.us/departments/treasurer/tax-appeals | http://www.tax-rates.org/illinois/st._clair_county_property_tax | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/illinois/st.-clair-county | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Clair_County,_Illinois | https://tax.illinois.gov/localgovernments/property/taxrelief.html

Last verified: 2026-03-05