Cook County Property Owners Advised to Meet Tax Deadline by March 4

Urgent Reminder for Cook County Property Owners

As the due date for the First Installment of property taxes approaches, Cook County's own Treasurer, Maria Pappas, has issued an important reminder to taxpayers. The deadline is set for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, prompting the Treasurer's Office to take proactive measures in notifying property owners across the county.

In early December, around 1.8 million property tax bills were made accessible online at cookcountytreasurer.com. Following this, printed bills were sent out to taxpayers by late January, ensuring that all property owners have the necessary information to meet their obligations.

For those who find themselves unable to pay their tax bills in full, the Treasurer's Office has established a flexible payment option. Partial payments are accepted, allowing taxpayers some breathing room in fulfilling their financial responsibilities. It’s worth noting that after the March 4 deadline, any outstanding balance will incur a penalty. As outlined by state law, there is an interest rate of 0.75% charged per month for overdue payments. Thankfully, reforms introduced by Illinois lawmakers in 2023—advocated by Treasurer Pappas—have resulted in a reduction of the penalty rate from 1.5% to 0.75% monthly, significantly easing the burden on taxpayers.

To make the payment process as seamless as possible, property owners can visit the Cook County Treasurer’s website to:
1. Pay their taxes online without incurring any extra fees.
2. Search for potential refunds amounting to $122 million that may be available to them.
3. Investigate if they qualify for $33 million in tax exemptions that could lower their bills.
4. Access the Pappas Studies, which offer a comprehensive analysis of two decades of Cook County property tax history.

Additionally, the Treasurer’s Office is offering a free Payment Plan Calculator. This innovative tool is specifically designed to assist property owners who have fallen behind on their payments. It allows taxpayers to create a manageable payment schedule, enabling them to budget their property tax expenses effectively through monthly or bi-monthly payments. For user-friendliness, a helpful video tutorial guiding users through the steps of the Payment Plan Calculator is available in English, Spanish, and Polish.

For more information, or to make a payment, property owners can visit the Cook County Treasurer's website and select the blue box labeled 'Pay Online for Free.' They will need to provide their account number and their bank's routing number to proceed.

As March 4 draws near, Treasurer Pappas encourages all property owners to take prompt action to ensure they do not miss the deadline. The steps are clear, and assistance is readily available through the website, reminding taxpayers that it's better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to fulfilling their tax obligations.