This page helps users handle Property Tax tasks in Lake County, Illinois, including checking property tax information, viewing bills, paying current taxes, and finding the right office for payment or delinquent tax questions.
Lake County property tax work commonly uses the Lake County, IL Property Tax Information system, the Lake County - IL - Real Estate payment site, and the Lake County Treasurer’s Office for billing and payment support.
Lake County, IL Property Tax Information
Use the Lake County, IL Property Tax Information system to review real property assessment and tax information. The site explains that Illinois property tax activity can involve different tax years because the state property tax cycle takes place over a two-year timeframe.
Before relying on a result, check the year selection on the right side of the page so the information matches the year you need. Assessment information is tied to the last certified assessment date, and other data may change.
Important access note: visitors are prohibited from using applications designed to mine, gather, or extract data from the property information system.
View bills and pay current real estate taxes
For current real estate tax payments, use the Lake County - IL - Real Estate payment site. The Treasurer’s payment pages also explain payment options, fees, and limits for online, phone, mail, and in-person payments.
Online payments accept eCheck, credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Only the current tax year can be paid online. Partial payments are accepted, and multiple parcels may be paid in one transaction.
Online payment fee information:
| Payment type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-Check | Free | Direct from a checking or savings account; some investment accounts are not eligible. |
| Credit card or PayPal | 2.35% | The service fee is shown separately before confirmation. |
| Debit card | 1.5% | The fee is charged by the processing company. |
| Rejected or returned transaction | $25 | Applies to rejected or returned transactions. |
Payment deadlines and late penalties
Lake County lists the 2025 tax year collection as beginning May 1, 2026. The first installment due date is June 4, 2026, and the second installment due date is September 4, 2026.
Lake County also lists these important payment cutoff dates:
| Date | What it affects |
|---|---|
| September 30 | Last day to pay to avoid publication and a $10 fee on parcels with past due balances. |
| October 30 | Last day to pay by eCheck before 5:00 p.m. CST. |
| November 6 | Last day to pay online or by phone with a credit or debit card before 5:00 p.m. CST. |
The Lake County Collector is required to collect a 1.5% monthly penalty on unpaid installment balances after the due dates. The penalty is calculated on the 5th of each month and is not prorated.
Mail, phone, and in-person payment options
Lake County accepts payments by mail, phone, online, and in person. Use the option that fits the payment type and timing.
| Option | Key details |
|---|---|
| Standard payments should be mailed to the address on the return envelope. The listed PO Box is Lake County Collector, PO Box 1030, Bedford Park, IL 60499-1030. | |
| Overnight or late mail | Mail to Lake County Collector, 18 N. County Street, Room 102, Waukegan, IL 60085. |
| Phone | Pay real estate taxes by phone at (847) 469-9854. Pay mobile home taxes by phone at (847) 469-9964. |
| In person | Bring your tax bill to the Lake County Treasurer’s Office at 18 North County Street, Room 102, Waukegan, IL 60085. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
For mailed payments, checks should include the name and current address, 10-digit Property Index Number, current date, valid signature, and payment made payable to Lake County Collector.
Assessment appeals and tax relief
After receiving an assessment notice, property owners can review the property details and check for accuracy. If the assessment seems too high, the county directs owners to contact the township assessor’s office first, then file an assessment appeal if needed.
Assessment appeals must be filed electronically through the SmartFile E-Filing Portal. The filing deadline is 30 days from the date of publication, and the deadline for each property is listed on the assessment notice.
Lake County also lists tax relief options, including general homestead, home improvement, senior, disabled person, disabled veteran, returning veteran, military personnel, senior citizen circuit breaker grants, and senior citizen tax deferral programs.
Delinquent taxes and prior years sold
Prior year taxes that have not been paid are handled through the Lake County Clerk’s Office. For redemption information, contact the Lake County Clerk’s Office Redemption Department.
Current-year partial payments are accepted as a courtesy, but a 1.5% monthly penalty is charged on any installment balance after each due date. Lake County does not accept partial payments from third-party vendors or developers.
Lake County property tax contacts
Use these contacts for payment, billing, and delinquent tax routing questions.
-
Lake County Treasurer, 18 N County Street, Room 102, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: (847) 377-2323
Fax: (847) 984-5899 -
Lake County Treasurer’s Office in-person payment counter, 18 North County Street, Room 102, Waukegan, IL 60085
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday -
Lake County Clerk’s Office, Redemption Department
Phone: (847) 377-2404
Common questions
Where can I check Lake County, Illinois property tax information?
Use the Lake County, IL Property Tax Information system for real property assessment and tax information. Check the year selection so the record matches the tax year you need.
Where can I pay Lake County real estate taxes online?
Current real estate taxes can be paid through the Lake County - IL - Real Estate payment site. Online payments allow eCheck, credit card, debit card, and PayPal options, with fees shown before confirmation.
Can I pay Lake County property taxes by phone?
Yes. Real estate tax payments can be made by phone at (847) 469-9854. Mobile home tax payments can be made by phone at (847) 469-9964.
What happens if I miss a Lake County property tax due date?
A 1.5% monthly penalty is charged on unpaid installment balances after the due dates. The penalty is calculated on the 5th of each month and is not prorated.
Who handles prior year delinquent taxes in Lake County?
Prior year unpaid taxes are handled by the Lake County Clerk’s Office. For redemption information, call the Redemption Department at (847) 377-2404.
Can I appeal my Lake County property assessment online?
Yes. Assessment appeals must be filed electronically through the SmartFile E-Filing Portal. Property owners are directed to contact their township assessor’s office before filing a formal appeal.