Taxpayers
I'm late paying my property taxes. What is my next step?
The County Clerk's Office only handles taxes once they have gone to a Tax Sale. If only the current year is owing and the Tax Sale has not occurred payment can still be made with the County Collector's Office. However, if the Tax Sale has occurred payment must be made with the County Clerk's Office.
What does it mean that my taxes have been sold?
By Illinois State Statute, any unpaid property taxes must be sold at Tax Sale. Tax Sale occurs typically every year in November. Registered Tax Buyers then are allowed to bid on the unpaid taxes to become invested in the property. The bidding process is the lowest bid from 9% to 0%. The percentage at which taxes are sold is the interest that will be applied every 6 months from the date of the sale. If no Tax Buyer bids on a property, the McHenry County Trustee becomes the default Tax Buyer, at 9%.
The Tax Buyer whose bid was accepted pays the amount owing to the Collector. The taxes paid plus any additional fees and interest are then owed in the County Clerk's Office. Once payment is due in the County Clerk's Office additional fees and interest will accrue until redemption is made. Once payment has been received in our office the redemption status is changed from Open to Redeemed. The Tax Buyer on record no longer has a vested interest in the property.
The phrase, "your property has been sold for delinquent taxes," is language that is required by State Statute. This phrase does not mean that you no longer own your property, it just means that the taxes are outstanding. You as the owner still have the right to sell or modify the property if you wish. If redemption is not made before the redemption period expires than the ownership of the property can be changed.
How long do I have to pay my delinquent taxes?
The redemption period is a minimum of 2 years maximum of 3 years. The third year is determined by the Tax Buyer.
Is there a way I can have an extension?
Extension can only be given by the Tax Buyer. Only one additional year can be given after the state mandated two. Once an extension is given it cannot be taken away.
Can I setup a payment plan or make a partial payment?
Under Illinois State law we are not allowed to accept partial payments or set up payment plans. Payment must be made in full for delinquent taxes.
How can I pay? What types of payment do you accept?
Payment must be made to the McHenry County Clerk's Office by Cashier's Check, Official Check, Money Order or Exact Cash. No personal, mortgage company or business checks are allowed. Title Company Checks will be accepted however, the official receipt will be held for 14 days until the check clears. Payment can be made in person or mailed to the McHenry County Clerk's Office. Mailing address and physical address differ. Please refer to the bottom of the page for addresses.
Tax Buyers
What is a Tax Buyer? How do I become one? When is the Tax Sale? What happens at the Tax Sale? How do I pay? How do I get my certificate of sale?
For all questions regarding the tax sale and events leading up to it, please contact the McHenry County Collector's Office. Their website can be found HERE. The County Clerk's Office is unable to provide any legal advice.
What is the next step after I buy the taxes on a property?
After the tax sale the next step is to prepare and file the initial Take Notice. Take Notices need to be sent out within four and a half months after the official tax sale. The notice must abide by the Property Tax Code.
What should I do if the subsequent years' taxes are not paid either?
You can add them as a "Subsequent Tax" once they are delinquent. This is done at the Treasurer's Office and then receipt of payment must be brought to the County Clerk's Office so they may be posted.
