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  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
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    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
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    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
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Tag: property taxes

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes By Maria Pappas Every year, my office hears from thousands of homeowners who run into problems with their property taxes due to common errors. Here are the five most common mistakes homeowners make and what you can do to avoid them. Paying Twice for the…

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Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Taxes

Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds 

Posted on August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds 
Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds 

Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds  By Maria Pappas Every year, many Cook County homeowners are bombarded with letters, emails and phone calls from vendors offering to help secure property tax refunds — for a fee. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to pay…

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Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language

Posted on August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language

We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language By Maria Pappas Understanding Cook County’s property tax system can be a challenge even for people born and raised here. Words like “assessments,” “exemptions,” and “multipliers” aren’t part of everyday conversation. For many homeowners, deciphering a tax bill feels like solving a puzzle. Now…

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Blogger, Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Taxes

How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office

Posted on June 27, 2025June 27, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office
How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office

How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office By Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer When I became Cook County Treasurer in 1998, I walked into an office stuck in the past. Boxes containing $30,000,000 of uncashed checks lined the floor, collecting dust rather than earning interest. Just four working computers and six typewriters served a…

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Blogger, Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion

Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners
Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners

Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Navigating the complexities of the property tax system in Cook County can be daunting for homeowners. My hope is this column makes it less intimidating by breaking down a complex process into simple concepts….

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Posted on May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas The levy: It’s not a dam, but it is a word you should know! By Maria Pappas Since I first stepped into my office 27 years ago, one question has repeatedly come up: “Why do my property taxes always go up?” It’s a valid concern. At…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many

Posted on May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many
When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many

When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many There are two types of referendums — binding and advisory. The government is legally required to act on binding referendum results. Advisory referendums aren’t legally binding and are often used to measure public opinion before making a governmental decision. That…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, elections, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Opinion, Taxes

Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears?

Posted on April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears?
Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears?

Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears? Column: Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas One of the most common questions I get in my office, is, “Why do we collect taxes for the previous year?”  Here’s the backstory.   Cook County’s property tax system has changed dramatically since The Treasurer’s…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners

Posted on January 24, 2025January 24, 2025 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners
Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners

Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners By Maria Pappas As Cook County Treasurer, I’ve learned the property tax system can be confusing and intimidating. Whether you’re a new or longtime homeowner, or a senior citizen, I understand your frustrations. To help, I’ve created 10 tips to better understand your…

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Blogger, Comedy, Commentary, Cook County, Humor, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program

Posted on January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program Amid growing concerns that increases in property tax bills are pushing senior citizens to leave their homes, Cook County Treasurer María Pappas reminded senior homeowners today of a state program that allows them to defer paying their property taxes. The…

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Baby Boomers, Cook County, Crime, Festival, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Taxes, Veterans

State program allows senior citizens to defer payments on property tax bills

Posted on December 20, 2024December 20, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on State program allows senior citizens to defer payments on property tax bills
State program allows senior citizens to defer payments on property tax bills

State program allows senior citizens to defer payments on property tax bills Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Amid increasing concerns that rapid increases in property tax bills will drive people from their homes, state officials are boosting a program that lets senior citizens defer paying their property tax…

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Blogger, Comedy, Commentary, Cook County, Humor, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Seniors

PRESS RELEASE: Town Hall meeting in Orland Park Wednesday to address 3 NEW TIFS and impact on taxpayers, homeowners

Posted on October 27, 2024October 28, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on PRESS RELEASE: Town Hall meeting in Orland Park Wednesday to address 3 NEW TIFS and impact on taxpayers, homeowners
PRESS RELEASE: Town Hall meeting in Orland Park Wednesday to address 3 NEW TIFS and impact on taxpayers, homeowners

PRESS RELEASE: Town Hall meeting in Orland Park Wednesday to address 3 NEW TIFS and impact on taxpayers, homeowners ​Town Hall meeting will explain and identify issues with Orland Park’s current Triangle TIF and 3 New TIFs being considered by Village of Orland Park Tom Tresser, a recognized authority on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts…

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breaking news, Cook County, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Orland Township, Politics, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Tresser to lead Town Hall on damage Orland Park’s 3 New TIFs will have on taxpayers

Posted on October 20, 2024October 20, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Tresser to lead Town Hall on damage Orland Park’s 3 New TIFs will have on taxpayers
Tresser to lead Town Hall on damage Orland Park’s 3 New TIFs will have on taxpayers

Tresser to lead Town Hall on damage Orland Park’s 3 New TIFs will have on taxpayers A Town Hall meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 beginning at 6:30 PM to help homeowners and taxpayers in Orland Park understand the negative impact on local governments and schools that the three NEW TIFs that…

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Business, construction, Environment, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Orland Township, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Orland Park withholds Finance and TIF audits and brings State censure

Posted on October 12, 2024April 27, 2025 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Orland Park withholds Finance and TIF audits and brings State censure
Orland Park withholds Finance and TIF audits and brings State censure

Orland Park withholds Finance and TIF audits and brings State censure State Comptroller Susana Mendoza slaps the wrist of Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau as TIFs, Taxes, and Audits continue to plague the Southwest suburban village, but is it enough? By Ray Hanania State Comptroller Susana Mendoza suspended the Village of Orland Park from the…

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Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, construction, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities

Posted on September 6, 2024September 6, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities
Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities

Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities By Maria Pappas State lawmakers have made it easier for people with disabilities to continue receiving property tax relief on an annual basis. Cook County homeowners who receive the Persons with Disabilities Exemption no longer have to reapply for the benefit every year….

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale

Posted on July 31, 2024July 31, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale
Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale

Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale Cook County property owners have a free financial planning tool that can help them pay off their past-due property tax bills and avoid the “merciless” Annual Tax Sale, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today. A Payment Plan…

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Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas

Posted on July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas
Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas

Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas By Maria Pappas My office redesigned this year’s property tax bills to clearly show where your tax dollars go. On the front of every bill, you can see how much of your hard-earned money goes to each taxing body What is less visible, however,…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Fire District audit shows financial strength and responsibility

Posted on July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Fire District audit shows financial strength and responsibility
Orland Fire District audit shows financial strength and responsibility

Orland Fire District audit shows financial strength and responsibility Orland Fire District, Il — The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) released its official annual audit on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 that reflects solid financial management and a “great respect” for the interests of taxpayers. Audits of government agencies are mandated by State Law in order…

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Fire, Government, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

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    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
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  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair 
    October 8, 2025
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