FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have questions regarding your property tax bill, don’t hesitate to ask. We’ve compiled a list of questions to help you better understand your property tax bill but we are always available to answer any questions you may have.

• How can I save on my property tax bill?

  • There are two things homeowners can do to save on their property tax bills. The only direct way is to apply for Exemptions. The second option is through appeals. Appeals give you a chance to lower your assessed value which is what is used to calculate the property tax bills.

• When will I receive my property tax bill?
  • Property tax bills are billed twice a year in Cook County. They are usually mailed out in February and July. However, due to unforeseen reasons, the second installment bill may be delayed as we all saw in 2022.
• Are there any programs to help me pay my property tax bill?
  • Unfortunately there are no formal grants or assistance with paying for property tax bills. As a homeowner you must pay your bill by the due date to avoid further penalties or tax sales.
• When will my taxes be sold? Will I lose my house if I don’t pay my property tax bills?
  • Property tax bills will incur penalties every month that goes unpaid. Eventually your property tax bill will be sold to a private/public lender who will charge even higher interest to get paid for your property taxes. However, your property does not get sold during the tax sales, just your property taxes due.
• How do I apply for exemptions?
  • There are specific requirements to apply and qualify for exemptions. Please check our exemptions page for more details information.
• When can I appeal my property’s assessed value?
  • Appeals are open twice a year but the dates to file are dependent on several factors and therefore unpredictable.  They are filed Township to Township so we can estimate a rough timeline but we do not know until a day or two or even on the day of the filing date.
• I’m missing an exemption for past years, can I get a refund?
  • Yes, homeowners have 3 years to apply for past missing exemptions through a certificate of error.  Please refer to our exemptions page to apply.
• I just bought a house, when can I apply for an exemption? 
  • Homeowners under 65 much wait until February of the year after you’ve lived at your house from Jan to December of the previous year. For example, if you purchased in October 2022, you will have to live at the house Jan 2023 through Dec 2023 and apply in February 2024. For homeowners over 65 years old, you can apply the February after you purchase your home.