Treasurer Unveils New Property Tax Bills to Improve Transparency

WOODSTOCK, Ill. – Starting this year, McHenry County property owners will see a new tax bill that offers more transparency than ever about where their tax dollars go, and offers more ways to pay.
The list of taxing bodies into which property owners pay will now be listed in order based on their total dollar amount increase, as well as include the phone number for each organization. A pie chart next to the list will help taxpayers understand how much of their bill goes to each unit of local government. On the back of the bill, taxpayers also will find the phone numbers of every township assessor, as well as contact information for the County Assessments Office, which handles property tax exemptions and
assessment appeals.
“McHenry County is home to 119 units of government that levy property taxes – that’s a lot for taxpayers to keep track of,” Kurtz said. “This new tax bill increases not only transparency, but also local governments’ accountability to taxpayers – if a business can include its phone number on its receipts, why can’t government do the same with its tax bills?”
The new bills also make it easier for taxpayers to pay electronically if they wish. Besides the traditional tear– off coupons to mail both installment payments, the bill now includes a QR code that takes the taxpayer directly to the portal to pay electronically. McHenry County’s municipal governments and townships are partnering with Kurtz’s office to ensure that
contact information listed on the bills directs taxpayers to tax–knowledgeable employees who can answer their questions. Kurtz’s office is also partnering with Regional Superintendent of Schools Diana Hartmann to gather contact information for county school districts, and McHenry County Coordinator Chalen Daigle, who facilitates ways for county and regional governments to work together to increase efficiency and decrease
redundancies and costs.
“Transparency and ease of communication should be a function of all government, Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian said. “Efforts to increase transparency for all constituents within the county is welcome.” The new property tax bills will be mailed out May 3, with the installments due June 10 and Sept. 10.