Tazewell County Property Tax Appeal — Illinois

Rob Hartley·Updated March 5, 2026

Tazewell County is located in central Illinois along the Illinois River, with a population of approximately 131,343 according to the 2020 census. The county seat is Pekin, the largest city with over 31,000 residents, and other major population centers include East Peoria, Morton, and Washington. Property tax appeals are particularly important here as Tazewell County has one of the highest median property taxes in the United States, ranked 322nd of 3,143 counties, with residents paying an average of 3.68% of their yearly income toward property taxes. The county's median home value is $125,700, significantly below the state median of $202,200, yet the effective property tax rate of 1.85% remains well above the national average. With a median annual property tax bill of $2,320, homeowners in Tazewell County pay slightly less than the national median of $2,400, but the burden relative to home values is considerably higher.

Notable cities: Pekin, East Peoria, Morton, Washington

Median Home

$125,700

Tax Rate

1.85%

Annual Tax

$2,320

Population

131,343

2026 Appeal Deadline: September 19, 2025 for 2024 assessment year; typically late September annually or 30 days from published notice

The Board of Review establishes an annual filing deadline, which was September 19, 2025 for the 2024 assessment year. Appeals can also be filed within 30 days of published assessment notices. It's important to note that once you receive your tax bill, it is generally too late to appeal that year's assessment.

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

How Tazewell County Assesses Property

33.33%of market value

Assessed by: Tazewell County Supervisor of Assessments and Township Assessors

Assessment cycle: annual

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

In Tazewell County, properties are assessed at 33.33% of their fair market value, as established by Illinois law. Each of the county's 19 township assessors determines the market value of properties, which is then forwarded to the Supervisor of Assessments office. For example, if your home's market value is $125,700, at Illinois's 33.33% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $41,900 (125,700 × 0.3333), resulting in approximately $2,320 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.85%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. The Board of Review is a three-member panel appointed by the County Board that hears appeals concerning property valuations. The Board will review your written evidence and may schedule a hearing where you can present your case. Decisions are typically issued in writing after the Board reviews all evidence.

Contact your township or county assessing official first to discuss the assessment informally. An assessor who still has assessment books can correct errors without formal appeal, potentially resolving the issue early in the year.

Obtain your property record card from the assessor showing your property's assessed valuation and determine how the assessment was calculated.

Research the fair market value of your property and determine the prevailing assessment level in your jurisdiction using comparable sales data, professional appraisals, or assessment/sales ratio studies.

Establish the basis for your formal appeal, which may include: the assessor's market value being higher than actual market value, your assessed value being at a higher percentage than the prevailing township or county median level, the assessment being based on inaccurate information, or the assessment being higher than similar neighboring properties.

File a written Non-Farm Property Assessment Appeal complaint with the Tazewell County Board of Review by the published deadline (typically late September). Include all supporting evidence such as property record cards, photographs, comparable sales data, recent purchase information, or professional appraisals.

Present your evidence at a Board of Review hearing. The three-member Board will review your evidence and make a determination on your property's assessed value. The Board deals only with assessed valuations before equalization, not tax rates or tax bill amounts.

If you disagree with the Board of Review's decision, you can appeal in writing to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) within 30 days of the Board's written decision, or file a tax objection appeal in Circuit Court.

Required form: Non-Farm Property Assessment Appeal form (available from Board of Review)

Filing Methods

mail:Tazewell County Board of Review, 11 South 4th Street, McKenzie Building, Pekin, IL 61554

in-person:Board of Review office at McKenzie Building, Room 410, 11 South 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554. Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

online:Visit https://tazewell-il.gov/boardofreview/ for forms and information

Evidence to Bring

Property record card and photographs of your propertyProperty record cards and photographs of similar neighboring propertiesRecent sales data of comparable properties with evidence of sale pricesCopy of deed, purchase contract, or Form PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration if recently purchasedProfessional appraisal if availableDocumentation of property defects or issues not reflected in the assessment

Tazewell County Assessor Contact

Tazewell County Board of Review

Phone: (309) 477-2275

Address: 11 South 4th Street, McKenzie Building, Room 410, Pekin, IL 61554

Website: https://tazewell-il.gov/boardofreview/

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

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Saturday, Sunday, and county holidays)

Tax Exemptions in Tazewell County

General Homestead Exemption

$6,000 reduction in equalized assessed value

Reduces the equalized assessed value of a primary residence for owner-occupied homes

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your principal residence on January 1 of the assessment year. Must file an application with the Chief County Assessment Office.Deadline: Initial application must be filed; exemption renews automatically once approved

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value ($8,000 in Cook County and contiguous counties)

Provides additional property tax relief for senior homeowners

Eligibility: Must be 65 years of age or older during the assessment year, own or have legal/equitable interest in the property, and occupy it as principal residence. File Form PTAX-324 with the Chief County Assessment Office.Deadline: Initial application required; contact assessor's office for specific deadline

Senior Assessment Freeze (Senior Freeze)

Freezes equalized assessed value at the level from first year of qualification

Freezes the assessed value at the base year level for qualifying seniors

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older and meet income limits (currently $75,000 household income threshold). Must file annually with appropriate 1040 tax return or supporting documents.Deadline: Annual application required; must be filed each year with supporting income documentation

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities

$2,000 reduction in equalized assessed value

Annual reduction for persons with disabilities who are property owners

Eligibility: Must be an owner of record with a disability, occupy property as principal residence, and be liable for property taxes. Must file Form PTAX-343 with proof of disability initially, then Form PTAX-343-R annually.Deadline: Initial application with proof of disability required; annual verification form PTAX-343-R must be filed each year

Veterans with Disabilities Exemption - Specially Adapted Housing

Up to $100,000 reduction in assessed value

Significant exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities in specially adapted housing

Eligibility: Housing must be owned and used exclusively by a veteran with a disability where federal funds were used for purchase or construction of specially adapted housing. Valid for veteran, spouse, or unmarried surviving spouse.Deadline: Contact Chief County Assessment Office for application requirements and deadlines

Returning Veterans Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in assessed value

Additional exemption for veterans returning from armed conflict

Eligibility: Must be a veteran returning from armed conflict. This exemption is in addition to any other homestead exemption for which the veteran qualifies.Deadline: Contact assessor's office for application deadline

Official Resources

Tazewell County Board of Review →

Official Board of Review page with appeal forms, guidelines, deadlines, and contact information for filing property tax appeals.

Tazewell County Assessment Office →

Official assessment office page with exemption forms, property information, and assessment procedures for Tazewell County.

Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) →

State-level appeal board with forms, instructions, and information for appealing Board of Review decisions to the state level.

Tazewell County Property Search →

Online property search tool to look up assessment information, property characteristics, and tax data for properties in Tazewell County.

Check Your Tazewell County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Tazewell 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 Tazewell County for 2026?

The Board of Review typically sets an annual appeal deadline in late September each year. For the 2024 assessment year, the deadline was September 19, 2025. For 2026 appeals, you should expect a similar timeframe in September 2026, or you can file within 30 days of receiving your published assessment notice. It's crucial to file before the deadline because once you receive your tax bill, it is generally too late to appeal that year's assessment. Contact the Board of Review at (309) 477-2275 to confirm the exact 2026 deadline.

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

To file a property tax appeal in Tazewell County, you should first contact your township or county assessing official to attempt an informal resolution. If that doesn't resolve the issue, file a formal written Non-Farm Property Assessment Appeal with the Board of Review at 11 South 4th Street, McKenzie Building, Room 410, Pekin, IL 61554. You can file in person during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) or by mail. Your appeal must include supporting evidence such as property record cards, photographs, comparable sales data, or a professional appraisal. Forms and information are available at the Board of Review website at tazewell-il.gov/boardofreview/.

What is the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption worth in Tazewell County?

The Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption in Tazewell County provides a $5,000 reduction in your home's equalized assessed value annually. To qualify, you must be 65 years of age or older during the assessment year and occupy the property as your principal residence. You need to file Form PTAX-324 with the Tazewell County Assessment Office. At the county's 1.85% effective tax rate, this exemption can save you approximately $92.50 per year in property taxes. Seniors may also qualify for the Senior Assessment Freeze, which freezes your assessed value if you meet income limits (currently $75,000), potentially providing even greater savings over time.

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

For a successful property tax appeal in Tazewell County, you need substantial evidence to support your claim of unfair assessment. Essential evidence includes your property record card with photographs, property record cards and photos of similar neighboring properties, and recent sales data of comparable properties with documentation of sale prices. If you recently purchased your home, include a copy of your deed, purchase contract, or Form PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration. A professional appraisal is highly valuable evidence, especially if it shows your property's market value is lower than the assessor's determination. You should also document any property defects, incorrect measurements, or inaccurate information in your assessment that isn't reflected on the property record card.

How does Tazewell County calculate my property's assessed value?

Tazewell County calculates your property's assessed value using Illinois's statutory assessment ratio of 33.33% of fair market value. Each of the county's 19 township assessors determines your property's market value through annual assessments, considering factors like size, condition, location, and recent sales of comparable properties. This market value is then multiplied by 33.33% to arrive at your assessed value. For example, if your home has a market value of $150,000, your assessed value would be $50,000 (150,000 × 0.3333). This assessed value is then multiplied by your local tax rate to determine your annual property tax bill. Assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring, usually by mid-April to mid-May.

What happens if I disagree with the Tazewell County Board of Review's decision on my appeal?

If you disagree with the Board of Review's decision on your property tax appeal, you have two options for further appeal. First, you can appeal the decision in writing to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) within 30 days of receiving the Board's written decision. The PTAB is a state-level quasi-judicial body that provides an unbiased forum to contest property assessments. Second, you can file a tax objection appeal directly in Circuit Court. Missing the 30-day deadline for PTAB appeal will generally foreclose your ability to appeal that assessment year. The PTAB uses prescribed forms and accepts evidence such as comparable sales data or professional appraisals, and decisions can be made on the evidence without a hearing or through formal hearings conducted in the county.

Can I appeal my property taxes before talking to the assessor in Tazewell County?

While you technically can file a formal appeal without first contacting the assessor, it is strongly recommended that you contact your township or county assessing official before filing with the Board of Review. An assessor who still has assessment books for the given year can correct any assessment errors, and calling an erroneous assessment to the assessor's attention early in the year may result in a correction without using the formal appeal process. This informal review can save you time and effort, as many assessment disputes can be resolved at this level. If the matter isn't resolved through this informal process, you can then proceed with a formal written appeal to the Board of Review with full supporting evidence.

What is the general homestead exemption worth in Tazewell County, and how do I apply?

The general homestead exemption in Tazewell County reduces your home's equalized assessed value by $6,000, which applies to all Illinois counties except Cook County and its contiguous counties. To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your principal residence on January 1 of the assessment year. You must file an application with the Tazewell County Chief County Assessment Office, and the office recommends completing the initial submission in person so information can be verified. At Tazewell County's 1.85% effective tax rate, this $6,000 reduction saves approximately $111 per year in property taxes. Once approved, the exemption typically renews automatically, but you should contact the Assessment Office at (309) 477-2275 to confirm renewal procedures and ensure you're receiving all exemptions for which you qualify.

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://tazewell-il.gov/boardofreview/ | https://tazewell-il.gov/assessments/ | https://www.tax-rates.org/illinois/tazewell_county_property_tax | https://www.ptab.illinois.gov/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tazewell_County,_Illinois | https://tax.illinois.gov/localgovernments/property/taxrelief.html

Last verified: 2026-03-05