Payment plans available for Cook County property taxes, Treasurer Pappas says

COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- With Cook County property tax payments due December 15, Treasurer Maria Pappas says payment plans are available for those unable to pay their tax bills in full by the deadline.

The video in this story is from a previous report

"I know coming up with the money to pay property tax bills can be difficult," Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said. "That's why I'm reminding people that the bills are due ten days before Christmas. If possible, pay before the due date so you don't get charged state-mandated late fees."

The Payment Plan Calculator is available on December 16 at cookcountytreasurer.com.

The calculator lets people set up a schedule to pay off the bill in smaller increments, choose between making payments once or twice a month and create a personalized plan for catching up on delinquent taxes for those who owe more than $100.

"I hope the calculator eases the concerns of taxpayers worried about losing their home, business or other property because of unpaid taxes," Pappas said. "If you are unable to pay in full by the due date, you now have about 13 months to pay off your bill before your unpaid tax debt is offered for auction at the legally required Annual Tax Sale."

The payment plan will go live on December 16.

Instructions from Treasurer Pappas' office:
-Go to cookcountytreasurer.com and click on the purple box.
-Enter the 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN) or the property address to get your tax information.
-Scroll down until you see your bills, then click the red "Payment Plan Calculator" button which appears if a bill is delinquent.
-Review the disclaimer and click "continue."
-Choose how often you want to make payments - monthly or twice monthly.
-The calculator will automatically show a recommended payment schedule to help you pay off your balance before the next Annual Tax Sale.
-Select Summary View to quickly compare dates, amounts and your remaining balance.
-Or switch to Detailed View for a full breakdown of every payment.
-When you find a plan that fits your budget, download or print your personalized schedule to track your payments.
-You can also sign up for free email or text alerts, so you never miss a payment reminder.
-Or pay right away by clicking Pay Now.