All taxing districts, other than a school district subject to the Financial Oversight Panel pursuant to Article 1H of the School Code, must annually file its certified tax levy with the County Clerk on or before the last Tuesday in December. (35 ILCS 200/18-15). However, not less than 20 days prior to the adoption of the levy, the taxing body must determine an estimate of the taxes to be levied (35 ILCS 200/18-60). If the taxing body determines that the estimated cost is more than 105% of the preceding year's levy, the taxing body must give notice and hold a public hearing on the proposed levy pursuant to the Truth in Taxation Act. (35 ILCS 200/18-70). Under the Truth in Taxation Act, there are specific notice, format and publication requirements that must be substantially complied with before the hearing can occur. (35 ILCS 200-18/80). For example, the notice of the hearing must be published no more than 14 days nor less than 7 days prior to the public hearing. (35 ILCS 200/18-80).

If you have not started working on your tax levy, now is the time to prepare your estimate and begin the process.