Behind on Property Taxes in Kane County, IL: Your Options Before the Tax Sale

Yes, you can usually still sell your house if you're behind on property taxes in Kane County. The back taxes are typically paid from the sale at closing. But call the Kane County Treasurer first. Paying before the tax sale, or redeeming after it, may let you keep your house.

Last reviewed: October 2026, by Brad Esposito

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Who's writing this guide?

I'm Brad Esposito with Family Property Buyers in St. Charles. Most people who call me about back taxes in Kane County don't end up selling, and that's fine.

Here's what I'd want a friend to know before the tax sale.

Which question brought you here?

How much do you owe right now?

The Kane County Treasurer collects property taxes at the Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Building A, in Geneva. Call 630-232-3565 or check the Treasurer’s website for your balance, with penalties.

Don't guess from an old bill.

When is the Kane County tax sale?

Kane County holds its tax sale each year in late October. Unpaid taxes are offered to tax buyers. The Treasurer posts the date and the last day to pay on its tax sale page.

2026 dates: the Treasurer’s tax sale page lists the Kane County tax sale for Monday, Oct 26, 2026. Check its home page for the last days to pay and how.

What happens if your taxes are sold?

A lien is placed on the property, but you still own it for now. There is a period to pay back, or redeem, the taxes, plus interest and fees.

How long that lasts depends on the property. The Kane County Clerk can tell you your dates.

How do you redeem sold taxes?

You pay the Kane County Clerk, in Building B on the same Geneva campus (630-232-5964). The Clerk can give you an Estimate of Redemption and explain how to pay.

Watch your mail for a “take notice” from the tax buyer, and don't ignore it.

Is there help you might qualify for?

  • Exemptions you may be missing. Ask the Supervisor of Assessments (Building C, 630-208-3818) about senior, homestead and other exemptions.
  • Senior tax deferral. Seniors can ask about the Illinois Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program and whether it fits.
  • Free counseling. A HUD-approved housing counselor can go over your budget and options at no cost.
  • A tax deed case. If one has been filed, talk to an Illinois attorney right away.

What if keeping the house isn't realistic?

Sometimes selling is the cleaner path. If that's where you land, the taxes owed are paid from the sale at closing.

We buy as-is: no showings, no repairs needed. No agent commissions when you sell directly to us.

We can often cover closing costs. Your written offer shows your number before you sign.

How do you check out any cash buyer before you sign?

  • Get the offer in writing. It should show the price and who pays which costs.
  • Read the whole contract. Ask about any line you don’t understand before you sign.
  • Have your own attorney. An Illinois real estate attorney can review the contract for you.
  • Check that the business is registered. You can look it up on the Illinois Secretary of State business search.
  • Don’t pay upfront fees. You shouldn’t have to pay anyone just to sell your house.
  • Ask about your right to cancel. Illinois law gives owners behind on a mortgage or taxes extra protections in some sales. An attorney can tell you what applies to you.

This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to an Illinois attorney about your situation.

What happens if you reach out to us?

  1. Tell me about the house. Use the form, call or text (331) 422-3828, or email [email protected].
  2. We look at the house together, in person or by phone.
  3. You get a written cash offer within 24 hours of our first visit or meeting. Show it to your attorney or family before you decide.
  4. If you say yes, we close on your timeline, often in a few weeks.

Which Kane County offices handle back taxes?

All three offices are on the Kane County Government Center campus in Geneva.

What do Kane County owners ask me about back taxes?

When is the Kane County tax sale?

It's held each year in late October. The Kane County Treasurer posts the exact date and the last day to pay on its tax sale page.

Will I lose my house if my taxes are sold?

Not right away. A sold tax puts a lien on the property, and you get a redemption period to pay it back. Talk to an attorney if you've received a take notice.

Where do I pay to redeem sold taxes in Kane County?

At the Kane County Clerk's office in Geneva. The Clerk can give you an Estimate of Redemption and explain how to pay.

Is there help for seniors behind on property taxes?

There may be. Ask the Kane County Supervisor of Assessments about exemptions, and look into the Illinois Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program.

I'm behind on property taxes in Kane County. Can I sell my house?

Usually yes. The back taxes are typically paid from the sale at closing. Talk to an attorney if a tax deed case has been filed.

Should I call you before I call the county?

No. Call the Treasurer or the Clerk first to get your numbers. If selling makes sense after that, call or text me at (331) 422-3828.

Who would you be working with?

Family Property Buyers is based in St. Charles. If you want the step-by-step version first, read how it works.

Call or text (331) 422-3828 · [email protected] · 200 W River Dr, St. Charles, IL 60174

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Want to talk it through first?

Tell me about the house and I'll take it from there. Call or text (331) 422-3828, or email [email protected].

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