Where and how to pay Will County property taxes
Will County Treasurer's Office handles property tax payments. You can pay online through their website, by mail, in person at their office in Joliet, or by phone. Online payment is the fastest method — you'll get a confirmation number immediately and can track when the payment posts to your account.
The Treasurer's Office accepts checks, money orders, credit cards, and electronic bank transfers. If you pay by mail, send your payment to Will County Treasurer, 302 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432. Include your property index number (PIN) or account number on the check so the payment reaches the right property record.
Payments made online or in person typically post within one to three business days. Mail payments take longer — allow at least two weeks for delivery and processing. If your payment arrives after the due date, you'll owe a penalty and interest, so mail payments should be sent well in advance of the deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Will County Treasurer's Office collects property taxes, and you can pay online, by mail, by phone, or in person at their Joliet office.
- Online payments post within one to three business days and give you an immediate confirmation number.
- Mail payments take at least two weeks to process, so send them early if you want to avoid late fees.
- Include your property index number (PIN) or account number on any payment so it reaches the correct property record.
- Late payments trigger a penalty and interest charge, which varies depending on how late the payment is.
Understanding Will County property tax due dates
Will County property taxes are due in two installments each year. The first installment is due around March 1, and the second is due around September 1. The exact dates can shift slightly, so check your tax bill or the Treasurer's website for the current year's deadlines.
Your property tax bill is mailed to you before each due date. If you don't receive it, contact the Treasurer's Office directly — they can tell you the amount owed and confirm your mailing address. You can also look up your account online using your PIN.
If you miss a due date, penalties and interest begin to accrue immediately. The longer the payment is overdue, the higher the total amount owed. Paying as soon as you realize you're late will stop additional interest from building up.
Online payment options and what to expect
The Will County Treasurer's website has a payment portal where you can pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer. You'll need your property index number (PIN) to look up your account. The portal shows your current balance, payment history, and any penalties or interest owed.
Credit card payments may include a processing fee — the Treasurer's Office or the payment processor will show you the fee amount before you confirm the transaction. Electronic bank transfers (ACH) typically have no fee and are the cheapest online option if your bank supports them.
After you submit an online payment, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or print it for your records. The payment usually posts to your account within one to three business days, though it may take longer during high-volume periods like the week before a deadline.
Paying by mail or in person
Mail payments to Will County Treasurer, 302 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432. Write your property index number (PIN) or account number on the check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.
The Treasurer's Office is open during standard business hours. You can walk in and pay at the counter with cash, check, money order, or card. Paying in person gives you a receipt immediately and confirms the payment was received the same day.
If you're paying by mail and the deadline is approaching, consider using a faster delivery method or paying online instead. Mail can take one to two weeks to arrive, and if it's late, you'll still owe penalties even though the delay was not your fault.
What happens if your payment is late
Will County charges a penalty on property taxes that are not paid by the due date. The penalty amount depends on how many days late the payment is. Interest also accrues on the unpaid balance, compounding over time.
If your property tax remains unpaid for a full year, the county may file a tax lien against your property. A lien means the county has a legal claim on your home until the debt is paid. If the debt goes unpaid for several years, the county can sell your property at a tax sale to recover the money owed.
If you're having trouble paying, contact the Treasurer's Office to discuss your options. Some counties offer payment plans or hardship programs, though availability varies. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have.
Finding your property tax account and balance
You can look up your Will County property tax account online using your property index number (PIN). The PIN is a 14-digit number found on your property tax bill, your deed, or your property assessment card. The Treasurer's website has a search tool where you enter your PIN and see your current balance and payment history.
If you don't have your PIN, you can call the Treasurer's Office and provide your address or parcel number. They'll give you the PIN and your current balance over the phone. You can also visit their office in person to look up your account.
Your account shows both installments for the current year, any penalties or interest owed, and a record of past payments. This information helps you track when payments post and confirm that your payment was received and applied correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments for my Will County property taxes?
The Treasurer's Office does not offer automatic recurring payments through their website. However, you can set up a one-time payment online each time a bill is due, or you can arrange an automatic transfer through your own bank's bill-pay service if your bank supports it. Contact the Treasurer's Office to confirm the mailing address or payment instructions for bank bill-pay.
What if I pay my property taxes but the payment doesn't show up in my account?
Online payments typically post within one to three business days. If you paid by mail, allow at least two weeks. If more time has passed and the payment still doesn't appear, call the Treasurer's Office with your confirmation number or check number. They can trace the payment and confirm it was received and applied to your account.
Do I have to pay both installments at once or can I pay them separately?
You can pay each installment separately when it's due, or you can pay both at the same time if you want to. The Treasurer's Office will apply your payment to whichever installment is currently due unless you specify otherwise. If you're paying early for the second installment, note that on your payment so it's applied correctly.
What if my property is in a foreclosure or I'm selling it soon?
Contact the Treasurer's Office before the due date to discuss your situation. If your property is in foreclosure, the lender or servicer may be responsible for paying taxes. If you're selling, you and the buyer may need to settle property taxes at closing. The Treasurer can explain how taxes are handled in your specific case.
Can I pay someone else's property taxes?
Yes, you can pay another person's property taxes if you have their property index number (PIN) or account number. You don't need their permission to make a payment, though it's a good idea to let them know. The payment will be applied to their account regardless of who submits it.