covid-19

County Recorder’s offices

In response to COVID-19, many Illinois county recorder’s offices are closing to the public and will only be accepting recording documents through the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx and e-recording. Below are a few of the offices that have changed their procedure. There are 102 counties in Illinois so you are urged to contact your local county recorder’s office for information on what is happening in your area.

Processing Municipal Real Estate Transfer Taxes and Other Transfer Requirements

(Originally posted March 25, 2020) While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of this report, information in it could be subject to change. Contact the municipality for the most up-to-date information. Also, keep in mind that not every municipality in Illinois is authorized to have its own transfer tax or has adopted one. 

Addison: Transfer stamp point of contact is at police station; call for rules. Sump pump exemption form must be signed by both parties and water bill must be paid at the village. Call village for updates. www.addisonadvantage.org

Alton: City hall is closed. Call city hall for limited inspections on a case-by-case basis at 618-463-3533 or email Terry Buhs at [email protected]. Payments can be made via city’s website. (No municipal transfer tax)

Aurora: Real estate transfer tax: 1) Mail, email: [email protected] or fax (630-256-3609) in paperwork to start statement of open accounts to the water billing department. Leave a phone number or fax to call for bill/ stamp payment. 2) Once paperwork is completed a fax will be sent to a return fax. 3) Payment for stamp/invoices can be made three ways. (a) Mail payment in and we will return stamp by mail. (b) Payment can be made over the phone by credit card by calling 630-256-3568. Stamp will be returned by mail. (c) The title company can collect all the fees and stamp price at the closing. Title company will send in payment and request the stamp.

E. Alton: City hall is closed. Call 618-259.1185 or email [email protected], some limited occupancy inspections are being done. (No municipal transfer tax)

Bartlett: Request title after the closing, call village for transfer stamp, water reading waived and will bill the buyer after quarantine is over. www.village.bartlett.il.us

Belleville: City hall is closed. Email [email protected] or call 618-233-6817 or fax 618-233-8152 for temporary occupancy permits. Temporary occupancy permits will be good for 60 days. Individuals will have a grace period of 30 days after city hall reopens to schedule an occupancy inspection. (No municipal transfer tax) 

Bellwood: No changes, must complete carbon paper application after all presale inspections and bills are paid in full to the village. Applicants may request the forms by mailing a self-addressed stamped envelope to the village. www.vil.bellwood.il.us

Berwyn: The city issued a “Real Estate Transfer Procedures During Shelter in Place Order” on March 23, 2020. This provides direction to ensure real estate transactions move forward. Both real estate transfer stamps and water meter readings are processed electronically. Appointments must be made two business days before property transfers. A revision was posted on March 26, 2020, that updated the office hours for appointments to process transfer stamp requests. Please refer to the city of Berwyn’s Real Estate Transfer Guidelines.

Bethalto: City hall is closed; call 618-377-7697. Inspections are being scheduled. The village building and zoning department will email after payment and occupancy permit application have been processed. Payment and the returned application must be left with the village drop box. (No municipal transfer tax)

Blue Island: Contact village, case by case for required point of sale inspection. Application needed in advance on www.blueisland.org or call 708-597-8606. (No municipal transfer tax)

Bolingbrook: Anticipated longer than usual to get clearance letters, transfer stamps issued. Documents can be mailed, FedEx/UPS and include SASE. Documents can also be dropped off at the police department but anticipate lines. Must have all required documents or will be turned away. The staff does not have capacity to make changes to the file at the time of drop off. Contact 630-226-8430 or [email protected] with questions.

Buffalo Grove: The village is still issuing transfer stamps. To obtain real estate transfer stamps, please call 847-459-2500 or email [email protected] to discuss options and arrange payments. Voicemail and email will be monitored by finance staff during regular business hours. www.vbg.org

Cahokia: Unoccupied structures or if still occupied, while village staff is on premise – residents are asked to be out of building. Please call village hall at 618-337-9517 and explain specific situation of property to clarify if an inspection can be performed.

Calumet Park: Village hall closed indefinitely. No services available. Required inspection and real estate transfer stamp “on hold.” www.calumetparkvillage.org

Carol Stream: Email all documents transfer tax stamp to [email protected], then once approved the stamps will be handed through the door when check is there. Requesting a check for all transactions. www.carolstream.org

Channahon: While office is closed to the public, please Mail, FedEx or UPS in the documents and payment or it can be deposited in the village’s drop box. Please include a note that includes a point of contact or a SASE for stamps to be sent.  Should still call in for scheduling a final water meter reading prior to submitting documents. Call with any questions: 815-467-6644, process and documents available

Chicago: Real estate transfer stamps and water meter readings are processed electronically.

Cicero: The treasurer’s office is considered an essential service that is open and processing payments. Hours have changed in response to COVID-19. City of Cicero Executive Order 2020-02.

Collinsville: City hall is closed. Call 618-346-5200 ext. 3 or email [email protected]. Most forms are available online, remember the city has the “as is” provision in its occupancy inspections – so this could help out with any transactional issues. Drop boxes are available for payments. They are exploring virtual inspection – but NO determination has been made yet.(No municipal transfer tax) www.collinsvilleil.org

Columbia: Unoccupied structures of a week, will open up for inspections on 3/30/2020. All applications are submitted via online, e-mail or overnight drop box. All payments are via online or drop box. New construction or unoccupied additions/renovations inspections are proceeding as normal. Occupied structure’s inspections are deferred until an May 7th, then a reevaluation will take place. Currently we are accepting applications and providing a temporary certificate of compliance/occupancy to the sellers and buyers if a real-estate transfer is necessary prior to those inspections commencing again. Beginning March 30th we will be providing inspections to structures that have been vacant for a minimum of seven (7) days. Scheduling for occupancy inspections are based on a first come first serve, this is why we are still accepting applications. Occupancy applications submitted have been recorded by submittal date. The earliest submitted application will be provided the first scheduling opportunity and so on. (No municipal transfer tax)

Danville: Rental registration process is ongoing. However, due to Covid-19, city hall is currently closed to the public. Thus, the deadline to submit rental registration forms and fee is being extended. The city will advertise the new deadline once it has been set. Citizens are encouraged to mail the registration form(s) and fee(s) to the legal department. (No municipal transfer tax)

Decatur: Registration fees, permit fees, etc. can also be processed over the phone by call the corresponding department. (No municipal transfer tax)

Des Plaines Village: Transfer stamps are still being issued and are to be picked up by appointment only. Please visit desplaines.org/transferstamps for the initial guidelines, or feel free to contact the city’s finance department with any questions at 847.391.5319 www.desplaines.org

Dixmoor: Village point of sale inspection required. Case by case for appointment, contact village at 708-389-6121. (No municipal transfer tax)

Edwardsville: City hall is closed. Call Public Works and check the city’s Facebook page. New construction, commercial and unoccupied owner/rental will be inspected. No occupied structures will be done. Use the city drop box for payments. (No municipal transfer tax) www.cityofedwardsville.com

Elk Grove Village: The village procedure is complex; please call 847-439-3900 to discuss transfer tax and water billing procedures. www.elkgrove.org

Elmhurst Village: www.elmhurst.org

Elmwood Park: Village is open, but rules are in flux. Open 9 a.m. to noon. Inspections waived but water bills still must be paid in full www.elmwoodpark.org

Fairview Heights: City hall is closed. Call 618-489-2060. They will inspect unoccupied/vacant structures – will seek virtual ways of doing re-inspects. They are only focusing on critical life-safety issues. (No municipal transfer tax)

Freeport: Real estate transfer stamps will proceed as usual; however, if you want to drop off the form in person, you must make a pre-arranged appointment by contacting the Finance Department at 815-599-5816.

Ford Heights: Contact village clerk’s office for case by case inspection at 708-758-3131. Leave message and clerk will return call. (No municipal transfer tax)

Forest Park: Point-of-sale home inspections still being done; forms are available at www.forestpark.net (Go to “Resources” section) Completed forms should be returned with payment to the drop box of the village hall. Main contact on inspections is Steve Glinke-708-615-6284. Final water reading requests continue to be handled thru the clerk’s office by calling 708-366-2323. (Village does not have a Transfer Tax)

Glen Carbon: City hall is shuttered. Call 618-288-2603 to arrange an appointment for an inspection. Email [email protected], limited inspections on owner-occupied, no rental inspections are being done. Use the city drop box, after appointments have been made for payments. (No municipal transfer tax)

Glen Ellyn: Call village for transfer tax, taking credit card payment, then mailing stamps by post office only. Clear water inspection is waived, www.glenellyn.org

Glendale Heights: Transfer tax is still in effect. Village staff meeting on 3-24-2020 to determine status of pre-sale inspections (village still not given us the results of that meeting), water bill must be paid. www.glendaleheights.org

Godfrey: Village hall is closed. Temporary occupancy permits are being issued; buyer will need to obtain inspection at a later date. Visit village website front page, left-hand side for the temporary occupancy permit. (No municipal transfer tax) www.godfreyil.org

Granite City: City hall is closed. Call 618-452-6218. Inspections are being scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Payments can be submitted via the drop box. (No municipal transfer tax)

Hanover Park: Transfer tax is handled mostly as normal, call the village finance department at 630-823-5790 and ask for Joan. Joan prefers phone calls to walk through the process. www.hpil.org

Harvey: The city of Harvey’s Department of Building and Inspectional Services has developed a COVID-19 plan. Go/click to Building and Inspectional services to review inspection applications, requirements, new “As Is” agreement forgoing city inspection until after pandemic is officially ordered complete by city. Real Estate Transfer tax applications still needed. Click here for a review of the full plan. The department can be reached at 708-210-5346.

Hazel Crest: Village inspection required, case by case only being conducted. www.villageofhazelcrest.com (No municipal transfer tax)

Highland Park: Real estate transfer stamps may be accommodated by pre-arranged appointment by contacting the Finance Department at [email protected] or 847-432-0800

Highland: City hall is closed. No rental inspections are being done; new construction inspections continue.

Hillside: Please call village finance department at 708-202-3434 for details and obtaining ztamp and inspection and water details.  www.hillside-il.org

Hoffman Estates: Email documents to [email protected], credit card or check in drop box, then they will email the stamp with a follow up with postal service. Call for final water bill at 847-843-4824; final readings from outside of the house, three days in advance. There is a 2.8% credit card fee or $1 check fee. www.hoffmanestates.org

Joliet: CANNOT use payment kiosk at city of Joliet Police Department. Mayor had said publicly you could, but you cannot. Transfer stamps will be issued after closing. After closing, UPS/FEDEX/USPS original deed, Joliet declaration and exemption form, PTAX, return envelope and a check for the stamps (and water together if necessary). Stamps are being issued daily via mail. Majority of title companies are working with this process. Some title companies demand stamp at closing. If this is the case, please try to convey that these are different times, demanding different process. If they still won’t move forward or you have questions, please contact during business hours:  Customer Service – Real Estate Transfer Tax; Phone: 815-724-3902; Fax: 815-724-3989; Email: [email protected]; Hours 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday

Lake Forest: The city will process real estate transfer tax payments after payment of final utility bill and outstanding obligations, and completion by buyer and seller of waiver/release of sewer cross connection inspection requirement. Visit www.cityoflakeforest.com/i-want-to/apply-for/real-estate-transfer-tax-transaction for details.

Lebanon: Call city hall inspections ongoing, but case-by-case basis. Payments via city drop box. (No municipal transfer tax)

Lincolnshire: Real estate transfer stamp applications can be completed online, but you must call village hall to arrange a time for front door pickup of the stamp. www.lincolnshireil.gov

Lynwood: Village inspection required, only inspecting vacant property. Village website www.lynwoodil.us application for certificate of compliance required. Contact village in advance. (No municipal transfer tax)

Mascoutah: Call city hall; inspections are being conducted with hazmat suits. Call for payment arrangements. If a structure is occupied, officials ask that occupants please keep distance from staff. (No municipal transfer tax)

Matteson: Village inspection required. Case by case basis as village services limited. (No municipal transfer tax)

Maywood: Not answering phones, the following is on their website: For information regarding transfer stamps – call phone numbers 708-450-6314 or 450-6316.   www.maywood-il.org

Monee: Village inspection required, contact 708-534-8303. Application must be filled out and paid advance, $50 drop off box. Virtual inspection on occupied allowed, physical inspection on vacant only. (No municipal transfer tax)

Mount Prospect: Fax to office 847-818-5336, call to get appointment to pick it up. Checks or CC. Form to apply for TT is on their website, look in How do I, then TT stamps. Water bill will be forwarded to buyer later. www.mountprospect.org

Naperville: Go to www.naperville.il.us for all details. The Finance Department continues to work Statement of Open Account requests online and tax stamp requests via mail. The transfer stamp or exempt stamp is required prior to recording the deed with the respective county. However, whether the stamp is required prior to the closing of the property depends on the title companies’ individual preferences. Many title companies make the request after the transaction has closed. Information may be found on the city’s website here explaining how to submit the Statement of Open Accounts online and how to request the transfer stamp or exempt stamp by mail. Upon request, we may also provide a letter asking the title company to accept the completed Statement of Open Accounts as proof that the property is clear of any fees owed to release the stamp if a client is unable to purchase the stamp ahead of the closing date.

Niles: Real estate transfer stamps are available for purchase by appointment only. Call 847-588-8040.

North Chicago: Real estate transfer stamps can be purchased by appointment only for closings already scheduled. Contact North Chicago Comptroller’s Office at 847-596-8620

O’Fallon: City hall is closed. Call city hall or email – they will do virtual inspections (IE Facetime, or Skype) on occupied property; will consider private inspection paperwork (make sure all parties agree to submitting as this paperwork will become public record). Payments can be made via city drop box. (No municipal transfer tax) www.ofallon.org

Oak Park: Schedule an appointment to purchase the transfer stamps. Contact Steve Drazner at [email protected]. A final water read must be done in advance of purchase.

Olympia Fields: Village inspection required. Case by case basis; virtual inspections may be done for occupied properties. Vacant property requires physical inspection. Go to village website: www.olympia-fields.com pull application copy and contact Ms. Perkins, 708-503-8000. (No municipal transfer tax)

Park Forest: Village hall closed indefinitely. No services provided. Inspections and real estate transfer tax stamps suspended with “As Is” village affidavit agreement signed. Occupancy permit must be sought within 30 days. www.villageofparkforest.com

Park Ridge: Any inquiries on the property transfer process may be directed to 847-318-5208.  www.parkridge.us

Peoria: The Peoria County Clerk’s Office, which processes city of Peoria real estate transfer taxes, is closed to in-person customers until further notice, but is conducting business via phone, mail and electronic means when available. The Peoria County Clerk can be reached at 309-672-6059. City of Peoria real estate transfer tax forms and instructions for payment can be found on the city of Peoria’s website.

Pontoon Beach: Village hall is closed. Occupancy inspections are not being done; buyers and tenants are asked to schedule an inspection after April 8. Call 618-931-6100. (No municipal transfer tax)

Richton Park: Village inspection suspended, Post closing and rental agreement on website, www.richtonpark.org see COVOID-19 materials. (No municipal transfer tax)

Riverdale: Village closed, no inspections or services conducted.

River Forest: Go to this link for the complete information

Rolling Meadows: Information may be found on the city’s website here explaining how to submit the Statement of Open Accounts online and how to request the transfer stamp or exempt stamp by mail. Upon request, you may also provide a letter asking the title company to accept the completed Statement of Open Accounts as proof that the property is clear of any fees owed to release the stamp if a client is unable to purchase the stamp ahead of the closing date. www.cityrm.org

Romeoville: Offices closed to the public. Transfer stamps still processed via mail. Final water meter reads still occurring since they can just scan it remotely. Can be scheduled: 815-886-7212. Foreclosed property pre-sale inspections are still being scheduled if the property is unoccupied. Required documents should be sent in via FedEx/UPS and include SASE. Contact Linda Spence, Real Estate Transfer Tax Coordinator, at 815-886-5318 or 815-886-7200. You may also send an email to [email protected]

Sauk Village: Inspections required and conducted per appointment. Contact village. (No municipal transfer tax)

Schaumburg: Email documents to [email protected], then contact water once processed, village sends a link to pay on the website. Mail the stamp or buyer can send Fed Ex envelope. Turn around time is typically two-three days. www.villageofschaumburg.com

Shiloh: City hall is closed. No inspections are occurring, but temporary occupancy permits are being issued. Call 618-632-1022, hit prompt #2 to speak with a city official about the temporary occupancy permits.

Skokie: Completed real estate transfer tax forms can be emailed to [email protected].  Payments can be arranged by calling 847-933-8203.

South Chicago Heights: Village inspection required. Contact village case by case basis. (No municipal transfer tax)

Springfield: Electronic signatures, with a notarized copy and drivers license are acceptable for title changes. All building inspections are still ongoing, except complaint driven or code violation inspections, those are currently suspended. (No municipal transfer tax)

St. Clair County: The county building is closed. Call 618-825-2532 to be put on a waitlist for an inspection. “Emergency” electrical inspections are being done, but again call the county for specific guidance. (No municipal transfer tax)

Steger: Village conducting inspections, case by case. Contact village staff, application will be emailed for payment. Per appointment only. (No municipal transfer tax)

Stone Park: All inspections halted, no closing or transfer stamps will be issued www.vosp.us

Streamwood: Week ahead request a transfer stamp. scheduled between 8:30 – 4 p.m. Park at east side of building, call the 847-736-3866, then drop on a vestibule table and staff will come out after you step out. Call a week ahead of closing for water meter read and settlement of final bill. www.streamwood.org

Swansea: Village hall is closed. Call 618-578-3613; case-by-case basis on an immediate closing (occupancy isn’t being denied). The village has completed a few inspections, where it was required for the financial transaction. (No municipal transfer tax)

Sycamore: Real estate transfer stamps will proceed as usual. Also, the Sycamore Finance Office has designed an online payment option and electronic form submission process; however, you must contact the Sycamore Finance Office at 815-895-4920 first to take advantage of any electronic processing options. Any in person transactions must schedule a pre-arranged appointment with the Sycamore Finance Office.

Troy: City hall is shuttered. Call city hall for inspections. (No municipal transfer tax) www.troyil.us

University Park: Village closed, no inspections or services conducted without prior appointment. Contact Gwen Vanasdale in the inspections department, [email protected]

Wheaton: buyer needs Ptax-204 form, and then city transfer stamp application on website, along with utility accounts application (online). City will call applicant to complete process the stamp. Stamp will be mailed. Buyer could call to pick up the stamp. seller request a final reading, pay an estimated bill, after payment then buyer can get the transfer stamp. www.wheaton.il.us

Wilmette: Completed real estate transfer tax forms can be emailed to [email protected] and must include email addresses and phone number for both buyer (or representative) and seller (or representative). Bills will be issued digitally, and arrangements will be made for stamp pickup.

Wood River: City hall is closed. Call 618-251-3100 for inspections on a limited basis, on unoccupied structures. (No municipal transfer tax)

Woodridge: The application is on their website, fill it out and email it to [email protected] then set up water reading. Call village to expedite 630-719-4909 (Karen). Water reading either radio or remote or photo of the meter if remote reading is not possible. www.vil.woodridge.il.us