Behind on Property Taxes in Will County, IL? The Dec. 1, 2026 Tax Sale and Your Options

Who's writing this guide?

I’m Brad Esposito with Family Property Buyers in St. Charles. If you’re behind on Will County property taxes, call the Treasurer’s office first, not me. Here’s what I’d want you to know.

Which question brought you here?

• When is the 2026 Will County tax sale?
• What’s the last day to pay before the Will County tax sale?
• Will I lose my house if my Will County taxes are sold?
• Where do I find what I owe after a Will County tax sale?
• Can I sell my house if my taxes were sold?

What are the key dates before the sale?

From the Will County Treasurer:

Oct. 22, 2026, 4:30 p.m.: last day to post payment and avoid newspaper publication (this date has passed).

Nov. 13, 2026, 4:30 p.m.: the Treasurer’s online payment portal closes. After that, the office takes only cashier’s checks, money orders or cash.

Nov. 30, 2026, 4:30 p.m.: payment must be received and posted in the office to avoid the tax sale. No postmarks accepted.

Dec. 1, 2026: the Annual Tax Sale is held at the Will County Office Building, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet.

What does a tax sale actually do?

It doesn’t hand over your house that day. At the sale, a tax buyer pays the unpaid taxes and gets a lien. You then have a redemption period to pay back the sold taxes plus interest and fees. The Will County Clerk says sold balances pick up scheduled interest and statutory fees until the Last Day to Redeem. Get your exact deadline from the Clerk.

Where do you redeem sold taxes?

Redemption runs through the Will County Clerk, not the Treasurer. Use the Clerk’s Sold & Forfeited Tax Inquiry with your PIN to see the Total Amount to Redeem and your deadline. The Clerk’s Tax Redemption page says payment must be in full, by certified funds (certified check, cashier’s check, money order or cash), payable to the Will County Clerk, with your PIN on the check. Mail or bring it to 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. Questions: (815) 740-4615 or [email protected].

Why does timing matter after the sale?

The Clerk says payments must be received by 4:30 p.m. the day before any interest rate change to avoid more interest. Near the Last Day to Redeem, pay in person or by courier by 4:30 p.m. that day, or by U.S. mail postmarked no later than the day before. Don’t wait for the last month.

When does selling make sense?

If paying the taxes and keeping the house isn’t realistic, a sale can pay unpaid or sold taxes at closing. The title company confirms the exact amounts, and the Clerk offers certified statements of sold balances for closings. Talk to the Clerk and an attorney about your deadline first.

What if selling is the cleaner path?

If you decide to sell, the house can stay as it is.

We buy as-is: no showings, no repairs needed. Selling directly to us means you don’t list with an agent.

We can often cover closing costs. Every cost explained up front, before you sign anything.

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. There’s no obligation. Show it to your attorney or family before you decide.
4. If you say yes, we close on your timeline.

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

What else might help?

• Family Property Buyers home
• How it works
• Seller FAQ
• Areas we serve
• How to check out a cash home buyer
• Facing a sheriff’s sale in Will County?
• DuPage County tax sale guide
• We buy houses in Will County