If you’ve ever voted, you’ve probably seen one. It’s a referendum, a ballot measure that can affect your property taxes. Simply put, referendums are direct votes where the electorate has the chance to weigh in on a particular issue such as a proposed law, a tax increase, a bond issuance[Read More…]
Author: Maria Pappas
Some taxpayers could be owed money for overpaying up to 20 years ago
My office is managing about $122 million in potential refunds for property tax overpayments going back 20 years that I’m eager to send back to property owners. But determining who’s entitled to a refund isn’t simple. Most overpayments occurred because more than one person paid the same tax bill. Reasons[Read More…]
Column: How to avoid losing property in the county tax sale
The 2022 Annual Tax Sale, conducted by my office as directed by Illinois law, was probably a worrisome process for property owners whose property taxes were delinquent and sold. Understanding how the process works and what steps to take can make the difference between catching up on your taxes or[Read More…]
Column: State program allows senior citizens to defer property tax payments
Amid increasing concerns that rapid increases in property tax bills will drive people from their homes, state officials are boosting a program that lets senior citizens defer paying their property tax bills. As Cook County Treasurer, I support this program. Recent changes may make some older homeowners more likely to[Read More…]
Column: Snowbirds, others can prepay taxes due next year and just relax for the winter
If you’re a Cook County homeowner who spends winters in Florida, Arizona or other climate warmer than Chicago you don’t have to worry about rushing back to town to pay your taxes by the traditional early March due date. My office lets “snowbirds” and anyone else prepay taxes due the[Read More…]
Column: County treasurer offers advice on avoiding the annual tax sale of delinquent property
Note: Maria Pappas is the Cook County Treasurer. If you still owe property taxes that were due in 2023, you’re running out of time to avoid the Annual Tax Sale. State law requires that the Cook County Treasurer conduct an annual sale of delinquent property taxes. To find out if[Read More…]
Column: Want to go paperless? eBilling lets you receive tax bills via email
Cook County property owners can sign up for eBilling for themselves or family members to receive property tax bills via email instead of print copies by snail mail. The eBilling option offers the convenience of allowing spouses to each receive copies of tax bills or multiple adult siblings to all[Read More…]
Column: Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities
State lawmakers have made it easier for people with disabilities to continue receiving property tax relief on an annual basis. Cook County homeowners who receive the Persons with Disabilities Exemption no longer have to reapply for the benefit every year. Lawmakers recently acted to allow the benefit to automatically renew[Read More…]
Paying tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person
Property owners face an Aug. 1 due date to pay their Second Installment 2023 tax bills. Many homeowners authorize their mortgage company to pay their two annual property tax installments from an escrow account. They pay their mortgage company an amount every month to cover the cost of taxes as[Read More…]
Column: Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions
I do not determine your property taxes. My job as county treasurer is to bill, collect and distribute that money to pay for local government services. Local governments typically rely on property taxes to fund payrolls and other day-to-day expenses. However, taxing bodies typically borrow money to pay for major[Read More…]