Online Payment at cookcountytreasurer.com Possible Through September 1 for Owners of 57,000 Delinquent Properties, Pappas Announces

Almost $196 Million in Unpaid Bills from Tax Year 2008 May Go to Auction

CHICAGO, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 57,000 owners of real property who owe almost $196 million in delinquent taxes can pay online at cookcountytreasurer.com before September 1 to avoid having their taxes go to auction, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.

The names of the owners of unpaid bills issued in 2009 were being published in community newspapers today and Thursday to advise them that their unpaid taxes could go to the Annual Tax Sale beginning September 13. The owners also were receiving certified letters about the unpaid bills.

Pappas said the owners of unpaid bills on homes, businesses and land should pay before September 1 to ensure that their taxes are not offered for sale to tax buyers at the four-day Tax Sale, an auction of unpaid taxes for tax year 2008, which were mailed and collectible in 2009.

At the Annual Tax Sale, tax buyers enter electronic bids on unpaid taxes.  Winning bidders pay the taxes, then claim penalties and interest from owners seeking to redeem the taxes.  When an owner does not redeem, the tax buyer may ask a court for the deed to the owner's property.

Pappas said that for the first year, payment can be made online at cookcountytreasurer.com from a checking or banking account, making it easier for owners to avoid the Tax Sale.

Personal or company checks are not accepted.  Payment must be made by certified check, cashier's check, money order or cash at the 390 Chase Bank facilities around Chicagoland or at the Treasurer's Office in Room 112 of the Cook County Building, 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago.

Pappas said owners can review their tax status at cookcountytreasurer.com or 312.443.5100.  Whether reviewing by web or phone, owners should have their 14-digit Property Index Number at hand, Pappas said.

SOURCE Cook County Treasurer's Office