The state finally passed legislation to comply with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the government may not keep surplus equity when property is sold for unpaid taxes.
White County joined Rock Island in altering tax sale rules to stop equity theft. The moves are intended to protect them from an unconstitutional state law.
A federal judge ruled Cook County is illegally settling minor property tax debts by seizing the full value of properties. Illinois law still allows the practice.
Illinois’ tax code stands in the way of the state’s economic competitiveness. The combination of high tax burdens and a poor tax structure contributes to the loss of jobs and investment to other states. From a place of former economic dominance, Illinois now ranks 45th in gross state product (GSP) growth over the past decade...