First Installment Property Tax Bills Explained
Feb. 16, 2022
The Cook County Treasurer mailed out the first installment property tax bills to property owners at the beginning of February; the bills are due by March 1, 2022. Here are some important points to keep in mind regarding this bill:
The first installment tax bill is 55% of last year’s total tax bill. So, when you pay your 2nd installment tax bill for any tax year, you can calculate what your next tax bill will be to the penny.
The exemptions are not deducted from your first installment tax bill; rather they are posted on the 2nd installment bill. It is important to verify that you are receiving all of the exemptions you qualify for. If you happen to be missing an exemption, the Assessor’s Office can help you process a Certificate of Error refund.
If you are a senior who is having a difficulty paying this or any property tax bill on time, you can look into the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program for assistance.
If you are a surviving spouse of a first responder or member of the military, there is a property tax abatement program you may qualify for.
You can pay your property tax bills any of the following ways:
If you go to https://cookcountytreasurer.com/, you can pay your tax bill using your bank account, with no fee. There is a fee if you use a credit card.
If you go to Chase Bank, you can make a payment (even if that is not who you bank through).
You can mail a check to the Treasurer’s Office.
You can pay at the Treasurer’s Office located at 118 N Clark Street, Room 112, in Chicago.