Pappas: More than 37,000 properties will be part of Cook County's Tax Sale running from May 12 - 18; more than half owe less than $1,000 in back taxes

CHICAGO, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will conduct the annual sale of delinquent property taxes from May 12 – 18, 2022. This Tax Sale is for delinquent property taxes from Tax Year 2019, which were due in two installments in 2020.

Approximately $175.6 million in unpaid 2019 property taxes are overdue on 37,176 properties in Cook County. The properties include homes, businesses and vacant land throughout Chicago (17,709 properties) and Cook County suburbs (19,467 properties). Less than $1,000 is owed on 19,350 properties.

Owners of these properties were sent notices via certified mail informing them that their unpaid taxes are to be auctioned, which would put a lien against their properties. However, the U.S. Postal Service has returned nearly 15,000 bills and subsequent notices.

"Many residents may be unaware that their property is eligible for the Tax Sale," Pappas said. "The majority of the taxes offered are for properties in minority communities. I started 'Black and Latino Houses Matter' to help homeowners find refunds and apply for tax exemptions."

How To Get Your Property Off The Tax Sale List:

• Log on to cookcountytreasurer.com
• Search for your home or other property by entering your Property Index Number
• Pay any delinquent taxes and interest before May 12

Under Illinois law, the Cook County Treasurer's Office is required to put delinquent taxes, not the property itself, up for auction. 

Visit cookcountytreasurer.com and click on "Avoid the Tax Sale" for more information and to see if your property is on the Tax Sale list.

SOURCE Cook County Treasurer's Office