The good news – it is a beautiful day in Northwest Illinois.

The bad news – The first installment of your 2012 real estate tax bills are due (or were due) as follows:

Carroll County – July 5, 2013

Jo Daviess County – July 9, 2013 

Ogle County – June 14, 2013

Stephenson County –  June 28, 2013

            Winnebago County – June 14, 2013

Remember if you are late in paying your taxes, you will pay interest at the rate of 18% per annum!  The Illinois legislature increased the rate from 12% per annum years ago when interest rates were high.  Of course, they have not lowered the penalty rate.  Based on present interest rates at banks  of .1%, 4% would be excessive.  If an individual charge 18% it might be called criminal!    Another example of Illinois corruption.