Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I not receive a notice this year?
An assessment notice is sent to any property owner that I made a change to their assessment. If I did not change the assessment there is no notice sent. The Supervisor of Assessment prints my changes in the local newspaper (in Plato’s area that is the Courier News) along with the amount of a multiplier, if any, that would be applied to all properties in the township excluding farmland. I also update our website so property owners will know that a multiplier was applied.
How can my assessment be increased when the news is telling us the housing market is falling apart?
An assessment by state law represents the value as of Jan 1st based on the three previous year’s sales that have occurred. Therefore for 2008 assessments we looked at sales that occurred in 2005, 2006, and 2007. For 2009 I will look at the sales that occurred in 2006, 2007, and 2008. These sales are analyzed and compared with their assessed values. Comparisons are then made with all properties within the township to reflect the market value of those properties. The county determines if a multiplier must be placed on properties within the township to equalize the properties for uniformity from these three year sales comparisons. As the Assessor, if I do not raise properties based on this multiplier, the county would. For 2008 Plato Township received a 1.96% increase that the county applied to all non-farm land and all residential dwellings and structures.
Why are my taxes higher than my neighbors?
As the Assessor I do not know what anyone pays in taxes. I only place value on properties in Plato Township. There may be many reasons why someone’s taxes are less; are they entitled to exemptions that you may not be getting?; is it based on a full year or is it a prorated house that only has a partial assessment?; is the land at a developer’s rate or at a full residential value?; are they entitled to farm land assessment?; do they have the same taxing districts? Plato Township has many different taxing districts, each with their own tax rate. The various taxing districts for your property would determine the total tax you pay. A listing of the taxing districts for your property is on your tax bill along with each of the taxing district’s rates.
What do I do if I do not agree with my assessment?
If after receiving your new assessment you feel your property has been incorrectly valued, please call this office at 847-464-4221. We can go over your questions or concerns and make any corrections if necessary. If after talking with us you still feel you are not being assessed fairly, you may file a complaint with the Kane County Board of Review, and request a hearing. Complaint forms may be obtained at the Supervisor of Assessments Office within 30 days from the date of publication in the newspaper for the new assessments. Please remember that this hearing must be regarding the market value of your property for the current assessment year only. It cannot be concerning the taxes you pay or your tax rate.