Aurora CPA: Tax, Payroll and Accounting Services

Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois, and it sits right next to our Naperville office. If you are looking for an Aurora CPA, the first thing to know is that the city is unusual: it crosses the lines of four counties, which affects who sends your property tax bill, who hears an assessment appeal and which county's rules apply to your address. This page covers those local details and how we work with Aurora households and businesses.

We serve Aurora clients in person at our Naperville office by appointment or fully online. This is general information, not advice for your situation.

A large, varied city

The Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2020-2024 five-year estimates) puts Aurora at about 179,900 residents. Roughly 26 percent were born outside the United States, which is well above the share in many nearby suburbs. About 12 percent identify as Asian alone, and about 6.6 percent (roughly 11,900 people) as Asian Indian alone; about 5 percent of residents were born in India. Median household income is about $93,600, about two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and about 16 percent of workers work from home. These are survey estimates, so treat them as approximate.

Among employed residents, the largest groups work in education and health care, professional and administrative services, manufacturing and retail, and about 7 percent are self-employed. With roughly a quarter of residents born abroad, many households also have ties to other countries, which is where US-India tax rules and ITINs for spouses and dependents can come in.

One city, four counties

Your property tax bill comes from the county where the parcel sits, so two neighbors in Aurora can deal with different offices:

In Kane County, each township's assessment changes are published in a local newspaper, and the notice sets a final filing deadline for complaints. In 2026, the notice for Aurora Township ran in September with an October deadline. Dates differ every year, so look at your own notice and at the county site. An appeal challenges the assessed value, not the tax bill, and it usually needs comparable sales or similar evidence. Property tax you pay may be deductible on a federal return; see state and local tax deductions.

The City of Aurora's own taxes

The City's Revenue and Collection Division handles several local taxes that matter to business owners and to buyers and sellers of property:

• Food and beverage tax. Locations that sell prepared food or liquor register as tax collectors within 30 days of starting business, and each location registers separately. Payment is due before the end of the month after the period. Timely filers keep a 2.1 percent discount; late filers lose it and face a 7.5 percent penalty plus interest of 1.25 percent per month.
• Hotel occupancy tax. Collected by the same division.
• Real estate transfer tax. Imposed on the full sale price. Before the city stamp is issued, the parties request a statement of open accounts at least five business days before closing, and the stamp requires the state MyDec and the city declaration form. There is a flat fee for exempt stamps.

Sales tax is separate. The State rate is 6.25 percent, and the Illinois Department of Revenue's Tax Rate Finder gives the rate for a specific address and period. We do not quote a combined rate here because it varies by location and changes on January 1 and July 1.

Payroll and small business in Aurora

If you employ people, you register with IDES for unemployment insurance and file quarterly reports. Most Illinois employers must also provide paid leave under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, unless a local paid leave ordinance, such as Chicago's or Cook County's, already applies to them. Our payroll services cover federal, state and local filings, and our payroll guides explain the basics. Manufacturers and retailers in particular should keep inventory and cost of goods sold records clean; see inventory and cost of goods sold.

How we can help

We prepare personal and business returns, keep books, process payroll, help new businesses choose an entity and review IRS notices. For families new to the U.S. tax system, see green card holders and new immigrants. Start from our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

General information only, not tax, legal or accounting advice for your situation. Rules, limits and deadlines change; confirm the current rules with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship with CPA Tax Payroll and Accounting Corp.