Office of the Recorder of Deeds

Barb Frasca
Recorder of Deeds

Statutory Recording Requirements and Fee Structure

As of August 1, 2005, SB 75 requires a $10.00 surcharge to all land record documents recorded in the State of Illinois. This surcharge is a state fee which supplements the Rental Housing Support Program. All real estate documents prepared and/or signed on or after August 1, 2005 must include this $10.00 fee. Recording fees for a 4 page document on/after August 1, 2005 will be $35.00, and $1.00 for each additional page. Local, State and Federal entities are exempted from this fee.

Complete statutory requirements for document filings may be found in 55 ILCS 5/3-5018.

Documents presented for recording in the State of Illinois must:

• Be on white 81/2 x 11 inch paper.
• The top 3 x 5 inches on the top right hand side must be blank.
• The document must be written, printed or typed in black ink.
• No permanently bound or continuous forms.
• No attachments stapled or taped to any pages.

Documents meeting these requirements are subject to a recording fee of $25.00 (on/after 8/1/2005 $35.00 - see below for explanation) for the first four pages and $1.00 for each additional page. Documents not meeting one or more of these requirements are $37.00 (on/after 8/1/2005 $47.00 - see below for explanation) for the first four pages and $2.00 for each additional page. For plat information please see below.

Document Types and Statutory Requirements

All documents recorded in the State of Illinois must have included within the text a complete name and address of preparer, as well as, a complete name and address of where to return the document. Documents must have original signatures, and correct payment by check or cash.

Deeds:

Must also have a complete name and address of where the tax bill is to be sent. All deeds require a State of Illinois PTAX declaration form or letter of exemption which is signed and dated.

Assignments and Releases:

Require an associated document number.

Plats of Subdivision/Surveys larger than 81/2 x 14 inches:

Recording fee is $63.00 (on/after 8/1/2005 $73.00 - see below for explanation) for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Plat requirements are numerous. We recommend contacting your surveyor for all pertinent information.

Explanation of Fee Increase effective 8/1/2005

The governor is to sign SB 75 which adds a $10.00 fee to recorded land record documents. This fee is a surcharge for the Rental Housing Support Program Fund. $9.00 is returned to the state for this program and $1.00 stays in the county for implementation of the program, this fee takes effect August 1, 2005.

The following documents types are included, but not limited to this fee:

• Agreements
• Extensions
• Liens
• Plats/Surveys
• Deeds/Contracts for Sale
• Foreclosures/Lis Pendens
• Monument Records
• Subordinations
• Easements
• Land Grants
• Mortgages and Notes

Any other document that is real estate related will be charged.

The following are exempted from this surcharge:

• A document solely related to an easement for public utility
• Documents from any state agency, unit of local government
• Federal government
• School districts

This is a synopsis of all the information we currently have regarding the Rental Housing Support Program Surcharge. If you have additional questions please visit the Illinois Department of Revenue Website at www.ILtax.com.