Although the December 10, 2024, tax sale deadline has passed, understanding how to address delinquent property taxes remains crucial for Cook County residents. The recent tax sale, conducted by the Cook County Treasurer’s Office under the leadership of Maria Pappas, auctioned unpaid property taxes from Tax Year 2022, which were due in 2023. Here’s what homeowners and property owners need to know to navigate future tax sales and safeguard their property.
What Is a Tax Sale?
A tax sale is a public auction of unpaid property taxes—not the property itself. During the auction, investors, known as “tax buyers,” bid on the right to pay the delinquent taxes. If the taxes remain unpaid after the sale, the tax buyer can eventually pursue ownership of the property through a legal process.
How to Check If Your Property Is at Risk
To find out if your property taxes are at risk of being sold:
- Visit cookcountytreasurer.com and click on the "Avoid the Tax Sale" section to search by address or Property Index Number (PIN).
- Contact the Treasurer’s Office via their “Contact Us” feature or visit them in person at 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, Chicago.
Steps to Address Delinquent Taxes
If your property taxes are delinquent, take these steps:
1. Verify Your Exemptions:
Ensure you are receiving all applicable tax exemptions, such as those for homeowners or senior citizens. Missing exemptions may make your property eligible for future tax sales unnecessarily.
2. Make Payments:
- Pay online for free at cookcountytreasurer.com or in person at the Treasurer’s Office.
- Payments can also be made at Chase Bank or participating community banks.
Note: Personal checks are accepted only up to a certain deadline. After the deadline, payments must be made with certified funds, money orders, or credit cards.
3. Contact Your Lender:
If your lender is responsible for paying property taxes, request proof of payment and confirm that the payment was made for the correct PIN.
4. Resolve Issues Promptly:
If you recently purchased the property, work with your closing attorney to determine responsibility for any unpaid taxes. Make sure these are settled before the next tax sale deadline.
What Happens If Your Taxes Are Sold?
If your taxes are sold, you must repay the taxes, interest, and fees to avoid losing your property. This process, known as “tax redemption,” involves obtaining a redemption bill from the Cook County Clerk’s Office. Property owners generally have 2.5 years to redeem their property, but commercial property owners may have only one year.
What If There’s an Error?
If you suspect an error in your tax record, contact the Treasurer’s Office immediately. You can reach them through their website or by calling (312) 443-5100. You may also visit their office with proof of payment to resolve discrepancies.
Looking Ahead
The December 10, 2024, tax sale serves as a reminder of the importance of staying up to date on property tax payments. By addressing unpaid taxes promptly, property owners can avoid additional fees, high interest rates, or even the loss of their property.
For more information and resources, visit cookcountytreasurer.com