Study: Illinoisans’ property tax burden second highest in the nation
Study: Illinoisans’ property tax burden second highest in the nation
High property tax bills are squeezing family budgets across Illinois.
3 proposals in General Assembly could bring progressive income tax to Illinois
3 proposals in General Assembly could bring progressive income tax to Illinois
Scrapping Illinois' constitutionally protected flat income tax would remove one of the only pro-taxpayer policies the Land of Lincoln has left.
McHenry County realtors face daunting task – selling homes with sky-high property tax bills
McHenry County realtors face daunting task – selling homes with sky-high property tax bills
Local realtors are having a difficult time convincing clients not only to move to the county, but to stay.
House committee passes bill capping growth in administrative spending at Illinois schools
House committee passes bill capping growth in administrative spending at Illinois schools
Illinois' spending on administrative costs is among the highest in the nation, sapping scarce dollars from the classroom. But a new bill would slow the growth in these expenses and align them with taxpayers' ability to pay.
New bill would allow state to place a lien on business owners’ property for unpaid wage allegations
New bill would allow state to place a lien on business owners’ property for unpaid wage allegations
A bill in the Illinois House of Representatives would allow the Illinois Department of Labor to place a lien on a business owner's property should he or she fail to respond to an allegation of unpaid wages within five days.
New bill would hike, expand obscure tax for Illinois small businesses
New bill would hike, expand obscure tax for Illinois small businesses
State Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch has proposed a measure that would increase by 400 percent the personal property replacement tax imposed on partnerships, LLCs and other types of businesses.
Despite high tax bills, Des Plaines City Council buys theater for $1.3M
Despite high tax bills, Des Plaines City Council buys theater for $1.3M
Local leaders are putting taxpayers on the hook for a development gamble.
Rock Island County taxpayers can’t keep up with the rate of state spending
Rock Island County taxpayers can’t keep up with the rate of state spending
As the state continuously spends more than residents can afford, taxpayers in Rock Island County have seen little income growth.
City of Springfield passes unbalanced budget despite bevy of new tax hikes
City of Springfield passes unbalanced budget despite bevy of new tax hikes
The city's budget for fiscal year 2019 was accompanied by increases in sales and telecom taxes. But local officials still anticipate a deficit.
Carl and Dewana Perry
Carl and Dewana Perry
“We’re a Navy family. One of the things Navy families do is move frequently. When we bought this place, we intended on staying in it at least until we retired and moved back down south to Mississippi, which was always in the cards. “We worry about the value of course four, five years down the...
Bryan Reehoff
Bryan Reehoff
“I’ve had about 17 years of buying and selling homes. “There’s some good deals here. I’ve looked at some pretty big properties here. But the bigger commercial pieces are cheap because the taxes are high. “We’re actively trying to buy more commercial property, and the realtors say ‘go ahead and pass [the property taxes] on...
Sangamon County homeowners: Where do your property taxes go?
Sangamon County homeowners: Where do your property taxes go?
Sangamon County billed homeowners $215 million in 2017. This meant owners of a $127,000 Springfield home had a $2,600 property tax bill.
Metro East taxpayers struggle to keep up with state spending
Metro East taxpayers struggle to keep up with state spending
Residents in Madison and St. Clair counties find themselves fleeced by lawmakers' failure to control state finances.
Lake Bluff consolidation proposal could save taxpayers $500K
Lake Bluff consolidation proposal could save taxpayers $500K
A joint service agreement between two fire departments could save Lake Bluff more than $500,000 over five years, once fully implemented. The plan would be a welcome change of pace for residents, as Lake County homeowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation.