West Central Reporter

State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is pushing forward with legislation to address the issue of governments charging interest and penalties on property taxes to deceased individuals, causing financial strain on their heirs.

“Government shouldn’t be taxing and fining people who are dead, it’s that simple,” said Senator McClure. “This is a commonsense idea that will help countless families during tough times while they are grieving the loss of a loved one.”

The proposed Senate Bill 2832, introduced by McClure, aims to offer relief by allowing the estate of a deceased individual to request a waiver from the county treasurer. This waiver would prevent the imposition of interest and penalties on overdue property taxes for the deceased person, effective from the date of death until the closure of the estate or the sale, transfer, or conveyance of the property.

“When people have lost a loved one, the last thing they need to be facing is the financial burden of penalties and interest charges on bills that they may not even know exist,” McClure emphasized.

The inspiration behind the legislation stemmed from a constituent, Laurie Stall, who encountered a similar predicament. Stall expressed her support for the bill, stating, “I’m glad that this bill passed. I hope that maybe it will help in the future for someone that is taking care of the estate of a deceased family member.”

Senate Bill 2832 successfully cleared the Senate on April 9th and is currently awaiting further action in the Illinois House.