What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
By Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
Twice each year, my office mails out about 1.8 million tax bills to Cook County property owners. Most people glance only at the amount due—but your bill is much more than a dollar figure.
It’s a detailed breakdown of how your taxes are calculated and where your money goes. Taking a few minutes to read it can save you money and help you better understand your government.
Let’s walk through it.
In the top left corner, you’ll find the “Total Payment Due” box.
This shows how much you owe based on when you submit your payment. Be sure to look at the due date carefully—paying late results in penalties, which are listed clearly next to the words, “If paying late, please pay…” The longer you wait, the more you’ll owe.
To the right is your 14-digit Property Index Number or PIN. This number identifies your property in county records and should match the PIN on your deed. You must pay only on your PIN. If you pay on the wrong one, you could end up paying someone else’s taxes—and you may not be able to get the money back. Always double-check the PIN before sending a payment or making an inquiry.
In the middle section of your second installment bill, you’ll see how your taxes are distributed among local taxing bodies—like schools, parks, and libraries. This portion compares your current bill to the previous year’s and shows how much funding each agency receives.
Next is the Tax Calculator, which helps explain how your tax bill was calculated. It starts with the prior year’s assessed value, followed by:
- Property Value: The estimated market value set by the Assessor’s Office.
- Assessment Level: For residential properties in Cook County, this is 10% of the market value.
- Equalization Factor: A statewide multiplier set by the Illinois Department of Revenue to ensure fairness and uniformity in all 102 Illinois counties.
- Equalized Assessed Value (EAV): The adjusted value of a property after applying the equalization factor.
- Tax Rate: Calculated by the Cook County Clerk based on each district’s budgetary needs.
If your property qualified for exemptions, such as the homeowner or senior exemption, a dollar amount will appear next to it. If you think you’re eligible but don’t see it listed, you can apply for exemptions on our website.
The installments section shows how your total property tax is divided into two payments. The first installment is an estimated 55% of your total bill. The second reflects the final calculation based on updated figures.
Don’t ignore the Important Messages section. It may include notices about refunds, sold or forfeited taxes, or past-due balances. Following the messages can protect your property and wallet.
Finally, remember that the property location on the bill reflects where the PIN is located, not necessarily where you live. You can update your name and mailing address anytime at cookcountytreasurer.com.
Your property tax bill isn’t just a demand for payment—it’s a financial statement, a government transparency tool and a civic guide. Read and understand it because the more you know, the more empowered you are to safeguard your home—and your future.
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Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
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