Are You Tax Delinquent in Cook County?
Illinois ranks as one of the highest tax burden states in the country. It’s no wonder many are behind on property taxes or simply forget to pay them. There are also those who do not know that they are overpaying and deserve a tax refund. That’s why Maria Papas the Treasurer of Cook County wants to get the message out to the community. Help is available to those who seek it.
So, first things first. How do you know if you’re delinquent on property taxes?
Step One:
Check the Assessor’s Tax Delinquent website: taxdelinquent.cookcountyclerkil.gov
Enter your PIN also known as your Property Identification Number found on your property tax bill. You can also find it by using the Cook County Assessors website. Here’s where any tax amount you owe will appear.
Review the amount owed and print out the sheet or take a picture of the tax year in question. You’ll need to reference this in the following steps.
Fill out the Costs of Redemption or Other Delinquent Tax Bills Order Form
You can mail in your request, including the $10 dollar processing fee for the year you are delinquent, plus an additional $3 dollars for every other year (cashier’s check recommended). I personally go to the Clerks Office to submit this form and pay the processing fee in person. This way you are certain that it is being filled out correctly and you might get lucky and receive the estimated bill on the spot. (Address on the bottom)
It is highly critical that you request this ahead of any tax sale date that might be occurring on your property. The Clerk works slowly and you might not receive a redemption bill on time, running the risk of your property being sold to a property tax buyer for pennies on the dollar.
Pay the amount in question. Again, it is highly recommended that you pay using a certified check and that you do so in person. You must also pay using the name of the actual owner of the property. This means that whoever owns the title of the house must be the one paying as well. (Tax buyers have the right to refuse your payment if the name of the redeemer of the taxes are different than the owners)
Keep all receipts and records. Mistakes happen and your only defense is good record keeping.
If you followed all the steps correctly, you should be able to rest easy knowing that you've paid up to date, or until the next bill comes around. Property taxes are never-ending and we are doomed to pay them until we sell the property or pass on the problem to another person.
If you’re tired of paying taxes or owning unproductive property. Give us a call at 312-444-0957 or click on the button below, we buy houses that are in any shape, location, and that come with property tax problems. We’ve been able to prevent tax sales for many property owners and have put money in their pockets, right before they lose the property entirely. We always ask that you come to us as soon as possible to prevent losing your property and receiving no money for it.
Cook County Clerk's Office
Real Estate & Tax Services Division
Tel: (312) 603-5645
Cook County Building, Room 434
118 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
