The Property Tax Cap

The Property Tax Extension Limitation Act (Property Tax Cap) is a direct result of the skyrocketing property taxes in DuPage County and other counties throughout the state. The Property Tax Cap limits the increase in property tax levies to 5% or the percent increase in the national Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The levy is the money requested by the various taxing bodies to operate for the coming year. Even though Tax Caps are in effect in DuPage County, individual tax bills could increase more than 5% for any of the following reasons.

• 1. A new building is constructed on the property.
• 2. An addition is put on an existing building.
• 3. Home rule units of government increase their levies by more than 5%
• 4. If the property was reassessed due to changes in the market.
• 5. A tax exemption is lost.

Outside of these reasons, if your local taxing district requires more than a 5% increase in revenues, then the taxing district will have to go to the people in the form of referendum and ask your permission to raise your taxes.