FAQs • Peoria County, IL • CivicEngage

What is a "tax sale?" What does it mean that my property has been sold for delinquent taxes?

By state statute, any unpaid property taxes, plus interest and penalties, go to a tax sale at the beginning of November. A registered tax buyer bids their fee for paying those taxes. The tax buyer's fee is bid as a percentage of the amount due, to be applied every six months. Bidding occurs from 0%-9% interest. The lowest bid is accepted. If no tax buyer bids on a property, Peoria County, as Trustee, becomes the default tax buyer at 9%.

The tax buyer whose bid is accepted then pays the amount due in the Treasurer's office. The taxes paid, plus the additional fees, are charged in the County Clerk's office as a tax lien against the property. Additional fees will accrue until the homeowner redeems them. Upon redemption, the lien is immediately removed, and the tax buyer no longer has any vested interest in the property. If no redemption is made within the time allowed (2-3 years), the tax buyer can petition the Court for the deed to the property.

The phrase, "your property has been sold for delinquent taxes," is required by state statute and can be a bit misleading. During the redemption period, you are still the owner of the property. Only your unpaid taxes were sold. It is only after the redemption period expires that the property can change ownership.

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1. What is a "tax sale?" What does it mean that my property has been sold for delinquent taxes?

2. How long do I have to redeem sold taxes? Can the final deadline be extended?

For residential properties of one to six units, the final date to redeem is a minimum of two and a half years from the tax sale date.
For other properties, it is a minimum of two years from the tax sale date.
In all cases, the tax buyer has the option of extending the redemption period up to a maximum of three years from the tax sale date.

3. How do I find out the amount I owe?: You can visit our website for the most up-to-date tax information, including a breakdown of the total amount due, the next scheduled penalty dates, and the last day to redeem.

4. Who do I pay? Do I have to pay in person? What forms of payment do you accept?: By state statute, payment must be made to the Peoria County Clerk by cashier's check, money order, or cash. No personal, business, mortgage, or title company checks are accepted. Payment can be made in person or mailed to Peoria County Clerk, 324 Main St, Room 101, Peoria, IL 61602. Redemptions received by mail are processed the day we receive them, and a redemption receipt will be mailed to you.

5. Can I make partial payments or set up a payment plan?: State statutes do not allow us to receive partial payments or set up payment plans. Payment must be made in full.

6. I owe prior year's sold taxes and the current year's tax bill. Which should I pay first?: That is your decision. The County Clerk's office cannot offer legal advice. Since there are already sold taxes on your property, the tax buyer does have the option of buying your current taxes when the second installment goes delinquent in September. If it is six months before the last date to redeem previously sold taxes, the tax buyer may add the current taxes before September, even the same day the tax bills are mailed in May.

7. When will the quoted amount change?: Your Estimate of Redemption shows the next scheduled penalty increase. Penalties are scheduled to increase every six months from the original tax sale date and every year from the date of purchase of any subsequent years' taxes. However, several costs incurred by the tax buyer can be added without advance notice. Make sure to view your Estimate of Redemption online before submitting payment to ensure you have the most up-to-date amount.

8. Who can I talk to if I have more questions about delinquent taxes?: The Peoria County Clerk's office is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am-5:00 pm. You can stop by during business hours or call us at (309) 672-6060.