The Fulton County Supervisor of Assessments is mandated to be responsible for equalizing assessments among all townships in the County, processing various taxpayer exemptions, and acting as Clerk for the Board of Review.

Township assessors are responsible for setting the value on individual properties in their townships. Review and equalization of those values is then done by the Supervisor of Assessments. Assessments can be adjusted by applying township factors so that the State of Illinois' mandated level of 33 1/3 per cent of fair market value is met


Board of Review

Township assessors are responsible for setting the value on individual properties in their townships. Review and equalization of those values is then done by the Supervisor of Assessments. Assessments can be adjusted by applying township factors so that the State of Illinois' mandated level of 33 1/3 per cent of fair market value is met.

The Board of Reviews goal is fair and equitable assessments throughout the County.

Taxpayers may appeal their assessments to the Board during the 30 days following the notice of assessments changes which are published in a County newspaper. Complaint forms may be obtained by mail, via a self-addressed stamped envelope, or by visiting the office. A hearing will be held, following notice to taxpayer, in the Board of Review Conference Room at the Court House. The Board can change any assessment in the County, either by complaint or upon its own motion. The Board also has equalization powers the same as the Supervisor of Assessments.


Exemptions

General Homestead Exemption (35 ILCS 200/15-175)

  • Allows for a reduction in equalized assessed value up to $6,000 over and above the property's 1977 equalized assessed value.
  • Property must be owner-occupied on January 1 of the assessment year.
  • Upon the sale of the property, the new owner will be eligible for the exemption on January 1 of the year following the date of the sale.
  • No application is required.

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption (35ILCS 200/15-170)

  • The exemption allows for a $4,000 reduction in assessed valuation.
  • The property must be owner-occupied on January 1 of the assessment year.
  • An application is required. Documentation of eligibility may be requested.
  • The applicant must turn 65 years of age during the assessment year and provide proof of ownership to the property for which the exemption is requested.
  • A pro-rata exemption may be granted to Senior Citizens, during the assessment year, if they exchange their homes for another one during the assessment year.
  • Fulton County requires annual filing for this exemption.

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (35ILCS 200/15-172)

  • This exemption establishes a base year for the assessed valuation upon which the Senior Citizen is then taxed. The assessment is calculated at that base year amount.
  • The base year amount will increase only if any improvements are added or will be reduced only for reasons which would make a permanent reduction in the value of the parcel applicable.
  • Property must be owner-occupied on January 1 of both the current assessment year and the prior tax year.
  • Total household income for the applicant must be $55,000 or less in the year prior to the year the application is made.
  • Application must be made to the Supervisor of Assessments office each year.
  • Applicant may be asked to provide additional documentation regarding income, age, etc.
  • All previous years eligible applicants will be mailed a new application each year.

Home Improvement Exemption (35 ILCS 200/15-180)

  • Exempts any increase (up to a maximum of $75,000 market value) in assessed valuation attributable solely to a new improvement.
  • Property must be owner-occupied on January 1 of the taxable year.
  • The exemption shall continue for 4 years from the date the improvement is completed and occupied or until the next general assessment of that property, whichever is later.
  • No application is required.

Disabled Veterans (35 ILCS 200/15-165)

  • Property with an assessed value up to $75,000, owned and used exclusively by a disabled veteran or the spouse or unmarried surviving spouse of the veteran, as a home, is exempt.
  • A disabled veteran is a person who has served in the Armed Forces of the US and whose disability is such that the Federal Government has authorized payment for purchase or construction of Specially Adapted Housing.
  • This exemption applies only to housing where Federal funds have been used to purchase or construct special adaptations to suit the veterans disability.
  • Annual certification must be made by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to the Illinois Department of Revenue, who then certifies the list of eligible veterans to the County.
  • Veterans may obtain applications from the IL Dept. of Veterans Affairs.