#United States #Chicago #Cook County #Property Tax #Maria Pappas

Cook County Property Tax Bills for 2024 Sent Out

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has recently initiated the distribution of nearly 1.8 million property tax bills for the Tax Year 2024. Homeowners are encouraged to make their payments before the deadline of March 4, 2025. The first installment is calculated at 55% of the total tax amount from the previous year. Notably, property tax exemptions that lessen the overall tax burden will be accounted for in the second installment.

In a statement, Treasurer Pappas highlighted the growing trend of homeowners opting to pay their property tax bills online, stating, "Each year more and more people use our website to pay their property tax bills online. People appreciate the convenience of this method, as it spares them the need to visit our offices in person or deal with checks and postage costs."

To facilitate online payments, residents can visit cookcountytreasurer.com. The process is straightforward:
1. Click on the blue button labeled "Pay Online for Free."
2. Enter either your address or the 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN).

Upon entering the details, a visual of your property will confirm that you are settling the correct bill. Importantly, paying online through your bank account incurs no fees. Although the Treasurer’s Office accepts partial payments, it’s essential to ensure that the first installment is fully paid by the March 4 deadline to avoid a late fee of 0.75% per month, mandated by Illinois law.

Additionally, the website offers various other services including:

• - Searching for approximately $122 million in potential refunds.
• - Checking eligibility for $33 million in available property tax exemptions that could reduce your bill significantly.
• - Accessing the Pappas Studies, a collection of research projects that includes a 20-year history of property taxes in Cook County.

These measures not only streamline the tax payment process but also ensure that residents can benefit from available exemptions and refunds, potentially enhancing their financial situation. As digital payments continue gaining traction, Cook County residents can take full advantage of these user-friendly options designed to accommodate their needs and simplify tax-related tasks.

In light of the recent tax bill mailings, it’s essential for homeowners to be proactive in managing their property taxes and fully leverage the resources provided by the Treasurer’s Office.
Visit cookcountytreasurer.com for more information and to make your payment today!