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Transfer Of TitleTaxesHARD

At an Illinois closing, the seller is credited for property taxes covering a period for which no bill has yet been paid. Which statement most accurately explains why this credit appears on the closing statement under Illinois practice?

Correct Answer

D) Illinois property taxes are paid in arrears, meaning the bill for a given year is not due until the following year, so the seller owes the buyer a credit for the ownership period before closing.

Illinois property taxes are paid in arrears — the tax bill for a given calendar year typically is not issued or paid until the following year. Because the seller occupied the property during the pre-closing period but will not pay that year's bill, the seller credits the buyer at closing for the accrued but unpaid taxes attributable to the seller's ownership period. This is a standard Illinois closing proration mechanic.

Answer Options
A
Illinois law requires the buyer to pay all taxes accrued since the property was originally constructed, regardless of prior ownership.
B
Illinois property taxes are paid in advance, so the seller has already paid taxes the buyer will benefit from and is entitled to a reimbursement credit.
C
Illinois statute requires escrow agents to withhold the full annual tax amount from the seller's proceeds and remit it directly to the county assessor at closing.
D
Illinois property taxes are paid in arrears, meaning the bill for a given year is not due until the following year, so the seller owes the buyer a credit for the ownership period before closing.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

arrearsdifficulty_4illinois_property_tax_and_proration_calculationsillinois_stateproperty_taxprorationscenariotax_calculations_il

Related Concepts

Intestate succession is the legal process by which a deceased person's property is distributed according to state law when they die without a valid will. State statutes determine the order of inheritance.

Marketable title is title that is free from reasonable doubt as to who the owner is and free from liens, encumbrances, or defects that would cause a reasonable buyer to hesitate before purchasing. It is also known as merchantable title.

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's will is validated by the court and their estate is administered, including the transfer of real property to the named beneficiaries or heirs.

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