Clerk's Office Launches Tax Intercept Program

Fines & Fees Owed the Court Will Be Recouped From Tax Returns

JOLIET – In an effort to collect the large amount of unpaid fines and fees owed the court, Circuit Clerk, Pam McGuire initiated a collection program in April 2007.  She stated,   “We were constantly looking for sources of revenue to lessen the burden on the taxpayers of Will County”.  With the support of Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow and Will County Executive Larry Walsh, her office has collected $25,474,731.73 

“We now have rolled out phase two of this undertaking”, stated McGuire. “As another way to increase collections, our office has entered into an Agreement with the Illinois State Comptroller’s Office Local Debt Recovery Program which allows deductions from income tax refunds, state employees' paychecks and other state disbursements to pay for fines and fees due and owing to the county, local municipality and state government as ordered by the court.”

 “Beginning January 1, 2016 we began working with the Illinois Comptroller’s Office on an intercept program.  To date this program has resulted in $776,758.88 being collected on behalf of Will County, local municipalities and the State of Illinois.  I urge anyone who owes court fines or costs to pay them on time to avoid additional collections costs or having your funds intercepted by the State”, stated McGuire. 

To check for an outstanding balance or review court records public access terminals are available at three Circuit Clerk locations:  Will County Courthouse, 14 W. Jefferson St., 2^nd Floor, Joliet; River Valley Juvenile Justice Center, 3210 W. McDonough Street, 2^nd Floor, Joliet; or Will County Court Annex Building, 57 N. Ottawa Street, 2^nd Floor, Joliet.  Case information can also be found on the Internet by visiting the circuit clerk’s web site at www.circuitclerkofwillcounty.com selecting the “Case Lookup” feature, searching by party name, case or ticket number.  If you have any additional questions, you can email or call the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 815-727-8592 or circuit_clerk@willcountyillinois.com.