The Peoria County Treasurer's Office is launching a new real estate tax payment system this year, giving property owners more choices and easier ways to handle their tax payments. The first installment is due June 4, 2024, and the second installment is due September 4, 2024.

"Our upgraded payment platform lets property owners view and/or pay their bill online, plus they can choose to set up autopayments to avoid late fees, or even pay by text," said Treasurer Nicole Bjerke.

"In addition, taxpayers can sign up for paperless billing and get their tax bill electronically in subsequent years, which makes the tax bill process more efficient and cost-effective. The new system even gives options such as PayPal, which will let you split up your payments. Our goal is to make the process as easy and convenient as possible."

To take advantage of the online tax payment system, residents should register for an account at www.peoriacounty.gov/TaxPayments.

The new platform is simple, safe, and secure. Property owners can:

• Go paperless and receive bills, reminders and receipts via e-mail
• Pay real estate bills anytime, 24/7, via an easy-to-use online portal
• Use AutoPay to 'set it and forget it' to avoid late fees
• Use Pay by Text to receive text notifications, as well as pay by text if you're on the go
• Pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and PayPal in addition to traditional card or check methods
• Pay over the phone using a landline or cell phone with the 24/7 automated Pay by Phone feature

Make an account, sign up for paperless billing, and pay online following the steps at www.peoriacounty.gov/TaxPayments.

Treasurer Bjerke asks homeowners and commercial property owners to watch for paper notices in the mail next week. Bills are now available to be viewed online through the new system, or through Peoria County's Property Tax system at http://propertytax.peoriacounty.org. Bills will also be mailed starting May 1. Failure to receive a tax bill, or receiving it late for any reason, does not relieve the taxpayer of penalties if not paid by the due date.

"Remember that installments must be paid in full. Partial payments are not accepted and will be returned for proper payment," explained Treasurer Bjerke.

In-person payment options

The Peoria County Treasurer's Office, located in the Peoria County Courthouse, is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. for in-person payment.

Most Peoria County banks accept real estate tax payments, too. Payments made at banks must include the coupon that is sent with the tax bill. For a full list of banks that participate, visit www.peoriacounty.gov/411.

Mail

Payments sent by mail to the Peoria County Treasurer's Office must be postmarked on or before June 4, 2024. Residents are reminded to check the pickup times at mail receptacles to ensure an accurate postmark. Payments postmarked after June 4, 2024, will be subject to a penalty charge.

Taxpayers mailing payment should include their parcel number on the check to ensure proper credit. If a self-addressed stamped envelope is included with the payment, a receipt will be mailed back. Otherwise, residents should note that the cleared check will serve as their receipt of payment.

Phone payments

Credit card or electronic check payment options are available after May 1, 2024, to taxpayers who wish to pay over the phone. A convenience fee for credit card payments will be charged based on the payment amount. The Peoria County Treasurer's Office does not receive any portion of this required fee. Payments made by phone will have an additional $0.95 service fee on top of the convenience fee for the use of this service.

Questions

Questions regarding the payment of your taxes should be directed to the Peoria County Treasurer's office at (309) 672-6065, option 5. Residents with questions concerning address changes, property assessments, and exemptions should call the Supervisor of Assessments Office at (309) 672-6910. Questions regarding the City of Peoria garbage fee should be directed to the City Finance department at (309) 494-8800 or online at www.peoriagov.org/533.

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