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Cook County Property Taxes Payment Reminder

As the year draws to a close, property owners in Cook County are reminded that the second installment of property taxes is due on December 15, 2025. This deadline affects nearly 1.8 million homes and properties within the county. With the increasing cost of living and property taxes rising for the 31st consecutive year, many residents may find themselves facing financial strain.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has highlighted that the median tax bills for homeowners in the city have surged by 16.7%. Such increases make it crucial for property owners to prepare and plan for timely payments to avoid late charges. The County Treasurer's office has outlined that anyone missing the payment deadline will incur penalties, making early payment essential.

Payment Options Available

Property owners can choose from various payment methods:

• - Online payments through the official website CookCountyTreasurer.com
• - By mail
• - In-person payments can be made at any Chase Bank branch or directly at the Cook County Treasurer’s Offices, located at 118 N. Clark Street, Room 112, in downtown Chicago.

Pappas noted, “Paying property taxes is never enjoyable, but we’re striving to make the process as straightforward as possible. It’s critical to pay the full amount before the mid-December deadline.”

For those who may struggle to pay the full tax amount, the Cook County Treasurer's office offers an innovative Payment Plan Calculator. This tool is designed to help taxpayers manage their payments effectively and is available starting December 16 – the day after the payment deadline.

The Payment Plan Calculator

Once live, the Payment Plan Calculator allows residents to:
1. Set up a manageable payment schedule – Instead of paying the total amount at once, homeowners can opt to pay in smaller, more manageable installments.
2. Choose a payment frequency – Payments can be made on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
3. Create personalized plans for those owed over $100 in delinquent taxes.

Ahead of the launch, residents can pre-register for the tool by visiting the Cook County Treasurer’s website and clicking on the purple registration box. They need to enter their Property Index Number (PIN) or property address and will receive details via email about setting up their payment plan once the tool is activated.

How to Use the Payment Plan Calculator

To use the calculator when it becomes available:

• - Navigate to CookCountyTreasurer.com and click on the purple registration box.
• - Enter the required Property Index Number (PIN) or address to access your tax information.
• - Scroll to view your bills and select the Payment Plan Calculator button, which will appear if any bill is delinquent.
• - Choose your preferred payment frequency (monthly or bi-monthly).
• - Evaluate the suggested payment options and download your schedule for tracking.
• - Set up alerts to ensure you never miss a payment.

With interest charges set at 9% annually or 0.75% monthly, it’s vital for residents to act fast to avoid accumulating penalties. Although state-mandated interest cannot be waived, the Payment Plan Calculator provides a pathway for residents to handle their financial responsibilities without resorting to credit cards or other loans.

Pappas is determined that this initiative will aid more residents in managing their tax bills while being able to stay in their homes. As December 15 nears, all property owners in Cook County are encouraged to prepare and utilize available resources to ensure they meet their obligations and avoid financial pitfalls.

By staying informed and proactive, residents can navigate the complexities of property taxes efficiently and without undue stress.