Bridget Gainer, Cook County Commissioner – Tenth District
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Property Taxes & Assessments

Tax Year 2014 Property Tax Exemption Applications
March 2, 2015

2014 Applications for the Homeowner, Senior Citizen, Senior Freeze and Long-Time Occupant Exemptions are now available by the Cook County Assessor's Office. All eligible exemptions you apply for will result in a deduction on your second-installment property tax bill - to be issued by July 2015 by the Cook County Treasurer's Office.
Friendly Reminders:
  1. If you received the homeowner's exemption last year, the homeowner's exemption for this year will automatically be applied to your second installment property tax bill.
  2. All senior citizen homeowners must apply for their senior exemptions (senior citizen and senior freeze, if eligible) every year.
  3. Please include a photo copy of your Illinois-issued driver's license or Illinois-issued identification card with your completed exemption application when submitted to the Cook County Assessor's Office. 
Questions or need assistance? Contact Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer's Office:

2013 Second Installment Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2014
July 1, 2014

2013 Second Installment Property Tax Bill
Cook County Homeowners have received their 2013 Second Installment Property Tax Bills in the mail. Be sure to review your bill for any errors and to ensure all eligible exemptions are listed. In general, any exemption for which you have previously applied and qualified for along with any prior change in assessed value will be reflected on your second installment tax bill.
  • Most popular exemptions: Homeowner, Long-Time Occupant, Senior and Senior Freeze.
  • For a complete list of possible exemptions, please visit the CookCountyAssessor.com.
How To Pay Your Property Tax Bill due Thursday, August 1
Online
By Mail 
  • Mail must be postmarked August 1, 2014 to avoid any penalties and sent to: Cook County Treasurer, PO Box 805436, Chicago IL 60602 - 4116
Reminders If You Pay By Mail
  1. Check should be addressed to: "Cook County Treasurer."
  2. Make sure your check includes on the top: Property Index Number and Property Address.
  3. Make sure you include in the memo section: 2012/2nd Installment.
  4. On the envelope itself: write your PIN and Volume Number.
  5. Send only the tax bill payment coupon with your check and keep the top portion of the tax bill for your records. 
At Your Local Chase Bank
  • For your convenience, tax bill payments are accepted at any of the 400-plus Chase Bank locations throughout Chicagoland. There is no additional fee to pay at any Chase Bank locations. 
At Your Local Community Bank
  • As part of the County Treasurer's community bank outreach program, you may pay your tax bill at your local community bank if you have a bank account with them. For the complete list of community banks accepting property tax bill payments, click here.
In Person
  • You may pay your tax bill at the Cook County Treasurer's Office, located at 118 North Clark Street, Room 112 (City Hall/County Building). 
Questions? Contact My Office 
If you are need of any assistance when it comes to property taxes or assessments, please call my office at 312-603-4210 or email Info@BridgetGainer.com. My office will be happy to assist you with your request.

Property Tax Assistance Office Hours at your local Ward Office.
In the month of July 2014, I have arranged my staff to be available in ward offices throughout the Tenth District. Bring your 2013 second installment property tax bill (the "yellow form") to your local ward office so we can ensure you have an accurate bill with all eligible exemptions.
Citizen Guides to Property Tax Bills & Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment 
In addition to above information, I have created the Citizens' Guide to Property Tax Bills that can be found on my website. This step-by-step guide walks a homeowner through the process the County took to determine each property tax bill. I have also created a separate Citizens' Guide to Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment which explains how to appeal your property tax assessment with both the County Assessor's Office and the County Board of Review.

Lake View Township Open for Appeals until May 12, 2014
April 10, 2014

From April 10, 2014 to May 12, 2014 - the Cook County Assessor is accepting property tax assessment appeals for Lake View Township. Your property tax assessment, or property value, is the first factor used to calculate your property tax bill. Homeowners have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessment to ensure it is fair and accurate.

The most common reasons to appeal include:

  • Lack of Uniformity: the assessed value of your property is not in line with other similar properties in your neighborhood.
  • Over-Valuation: the proposed assessed valuation of your property is higher than its actual price.
  • Property Description Error: this may be an error in the description of your property that adversely effects the assessed valuation or your property has been damaged by a fire, flood, or other casualty and/or part of all of the building has been demolished.
To assist homeowners with filing appeals and to answer any property tax questions, my staff will be available at the following Tenth District ward offices located in Lakeview Township:

During scheduled office hours, my staff will be available to answer property tax questions and homeowners may file their appeal. Please bring your most recent property tax bill (the "yellow form") and any additional documents, such as a recent appraisal, that may be helpful for your appeal.

Have questions or need additional assistance?

Contact my office:

  • phone: 312-603-4210
  • email: Info@BridgetGainer.com.

Commissioner Bridget Gainer - Lake View Township Open For Appeals.jpg

2013 Property Tax Exemption Applications
March 7, 2014

2013 Applications for the Homeowner, Senior Citizen and Senior Freeze Exemptions are now available by the Cook County Assessor's Office. All eligible exemptions you apply for will result in a deduction on your second-installment property tax bill - to be issued by summer 2014.

Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment: Lake View & North Chicago Townships
August 30, 2013

From August 30, 2013 to September 30, 2013:

  • The Cook County Board of Review is accepting property tax assessment appeals for Lake View Township.
  • The Cook County Assessor is accepting property tax assessment appeals for North Chicago Township.
  • Your property tax assessment, or property value, is the first factor used to calculate your property tax bill. Homeowners have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessment to ensure it is fair and accurate.

The most common reasons to appeal include:

  • Lack of Uniformity: the assessed value of your property is not in line with other similar properties in your neighborhood.
  • Over-Valuation: the proposed assessed valuation of your property is higher than its actual price.
  • Property Description Error: this may be an error in the description of your property that adversely effects the assessed valuation or your property has been damaged by a fire, flood, or other casualty and/or part of all of the building has been demolished.
Your Property Tax Township
Cook County is divided into multiple townships, with each township open for appeals by the Assessor's Office and Board of Review at different times. To find out which township your property belongs to, review the top-right corner of your most recent property tax bill where it is labeled or enter your Property Index Number or PIN at CookCountyPropertyInfo.com. For maps of property tax township within the 10th's district, click on the link below: 

Have questions or need additional assistance? 

Contact my office:

  • phone: 312-603-4210
  • email: Info@BridgetGainer.com

Commissioner Bridget Gainer - Lake View Township Open for Appeals.jpg
Commissioner Bridget Gainer - 43rd Ward.jpg

Jefferson Township Open for Appeals
August 1, 2013

From August 1, 2013 to September 3, 2013 - the Cook County Assessor is accepting property tax assessment appeals for Jefferson Township. Your property tax assessment, or property value, is the first factor used to calculate your property tax bill. Homeowners have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessment to ensure it is fair and accurate.

 

The most common reasons to appeal include:

  • Lack of Uniformity: the assessed value of your property is not in line with other similar properties in your neighborhood.
  • Over-Valuation: the proposed assessed valuation of your property is higher than its actual price.
  • Property Description Error: this may be an error in the description of your property that adversely effects the assessed valuation or your property has been damaged by a fire, flood, or other casualty and/or part of all of the building has been demolished.
To assist homeowners with filing appeals and to answer any property tax questions, my staff will be available at the following Tenth District ward offices located in Jefferson Township:

During scheduled office hours, my staff will be available to answer property tax questions and homeowners may file their appeal. Please bring your most recent property tax bill (the "yellow form") and any additional documents, such as a recent appraisal, that may be helpful for your appeal.

Have questions or need additional assistance? Contact my office:

  • phone: 312-603-4210
  • email: Info@BridgetGainer.com.

2012 Second Installment Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2013
July 1, 2013

2012 Second Installment Property Tax Bill
Cook County Homeowners have received their 2012 Second Installment Property Tax Bills in the mail. Be sure to review your bill for any errors and to ensure all eligible exemptions are listed. In general, any exemption for which you have previously applied and qualified for along with any prior change in assessed value will be reflected on your second installment tax bill.
How To Pay Your Property Tax Bill due Thursday, August 1
Online
By Mail
  • Mail must be postmarked August 1, 2013 to avoid any penalties and sent to: Cook County Treasurer, PO Box 805436, Chicago IL 60602 - 4116
Reminders If You Pay By Mail
  1. Check should be addressed to: "Cook County Treasurer."
  2. Make sure your check includes on the top: Property Index Number and Property Address.
  3. Make sure you include in the memo section: 2012/2nd Installment.
  4. On the envelope itself: write your PIN and Volume Number.
  5. Send only the tax bill payment coupon with your check and keep the top portion of the tax bill for your records. 
At Your Local Chase Bank
  • For your convenience, tax bill payments are accepted at any of the 400-plus Chase Bank locations throughout Chicagoland. There is no additional fee to pay at any Chase Bank locations. 
At Your Local Community Bank
  • As part of the County Treasurer's community bank outreach program, you may pay your tax bill at your local community bank if you have a bank account with them. For the complete list of community banks accepting property tax bill payments, click here.
In Person
  • You may pay your tax bill at the Cook County Treasurer's Office, located at 118 North Clark Street, Room 112 (City Hall/County Building). 
Questions? Contact My Office 
If you are need of any assistance when it comes to property taxes or assessments, please call my office at 312-603-4210 or email Info@BridgetGainer.com. My office will be happy to assist you with your request.

Property Tax Assistance Office Hours at your local Ward Office.
In the month of July 2013, I have arranged my staff to be available in ward offices throughout the Tenth District. Bring your 2012 second installment property tax bill (the "yellow form") to your local ward office so we can ensure you have an accurate bill with all eligible exemptions.

2013 July PT Outreach.jpg
2012 Property Tax Exemption Applications

Citizen Guides to Property Tax Bills & Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment 
In addition to above information, I have created the Citizens' Guide to Property Tax Bills that can be found on my website. This step-by-step guide walks a homeowner through the process the County took to determine each property tax bill. I have also created a separate Citizens' Guide to Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment which explains how to appeal your property tax assessment with both the County Assessor's Office and the County Board of Review.

CookCountyPropertyInfo.com 
The Cook County Property Information Portal is a collaborative effort that combines property tax information from the Cook County Assessor's Office, Board of Review, Clerk's Office, Recorder of Deeds, and the Treasurer's Office into one unified website. Enter your individual PIN to access comprehensive information about your property such as appeal or exemption opportunities and your taxing bodies (schools, libraries, etc) financial information. 

Important 2013 Property Tax Dates
April 22, 2013

  • May 2, 2013: Last day to appeal for Lakeview Township by the Cook County Assessor's Office.
  • July 1, 2013 (tentative): 2012 Second Installment Property Tax Bills (the "yellow form") to be mailed.
  • July 31, 2013: Jefferson Township open for appeals by the Cook County Assessor's Office.
  • August 1, 2013 (tentative): 2012 Second Installment Property Tax Bills due.
  • August 28, 2013: North Chicago Township open for appeals by the Cook County Assessor's Office.
  • August 31, 2013 (tentative): Last day to appeal for Jefferson Township by the Cook County Assessor's Office.
  • September 28, 2013 (tentative): Last day to appeal for North Chicago Township by the Cook County Assessor's Office.

47th Ward Property Tax Appeal Workshop: April 24, 2013
April 19, 2013

Wednesday, April 24 - 47th Ward.jpg

40th & 48th Ward Property Tax Appeal Workshop: April 18, 2013
April 18, 2013

Thursday, April 18 - 40th Ward, 48th Ward.jpg

Lakeview Township Open for Appeals
April 2, 2013

Starting April 2nd 2013, the Cook County Assessor has opened property tax appeals for Lakeview Township. Your property tax assessment, or property value, is the first factor used to calculate your property tax bill. Homeowners have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessment to ensure it is fair and accurate. 

The most common reasons to appeal include:
  • Lack of Uniformity: the assessed value of your property is not in line with other similar properties in your neighborhood.
  • Over-Valuation: the proposed assessed valuation of your property is higher than its actual price.
  • Property Description Error: this may be an error in the description of your property that adversely effects the assessed valuation or your property has been damaged by a fire, flood, or other casualty and/or part of all of the building has been demolished. 
To assist homeowners with filing appeals and to answer any property tax questions, we have worked with our local Aldermen to arrange for my staff to have satellite office hours throughout the district. During scheduled office hours, my staff will be available to answer property tax questions and homeowners may file their appeal. Please bring your most recent property tax bill (the "yellow form") and any additional documents, such as a recent appraisal, that may be helpful for your appeal.

Have questions or need additional assistance?
  • Contact my office at 312-603-4210 or email Info@BridgetGainer.com.

2013 Lakeview Township Office Hours.jpg

2012 Property Tax Exemptions & First Installment Bill
February 28, 2013

The Cook County Assessor's Office has mailed out the first installment of the 2012 property tax bill. Payment of the first installment is due by March 1, 2013.

Have questions or need additional assistance? 
  • Please contact my office at 312-603-4210 or email Info@BridgetGainer.com.
Exemption Applications
2012 Applications for the Homeowner, Senior Citizen and Senior Free are now available. Please ensure you apply for eligible exemptions. All eligible exemptions you qualify for will result in a deduction on your second-installment property tax bill - to be issued summer 2013. 

How To Pay Your First Installment Property Tax Bill due March 1, 2013:

Online

By Mail

  • Mail must be postmarked March 1, 2013 to avoid any penalties and sent to: Cook County Treasurer, PO Box 805436, Chicago IL 60602-4116

Important Instructions If You Pay Your Property Tax Bill By Mail

  • Check should be addressed to: "Cook County Treasurer."
  • Make sure your check includes on the top: Property Index Number and Property Address.
  • Make sure you include in the memo section of the check: "2012/1st Installment."
  • On the envelope itself: write your PIN and Volume Number.
  • Send only the tax bill payment coupon with your check and keep the top portion of the tax bill for your records.

At Your Local Chase Bank

  • For your convenience, tax bill payments are accepted at any of the 400-plus Chase Bank locations throughout Chicagoland. There is no additional fee to pay at any Chase Bank locations.

At Your Local Community Bank

  • As part of the County Treasurer's community bank outreach program, you may pay your property tax bill at your community bank. You must have an account at the bank. For the complete list of community banks accepting property tax bill payments, click here.

In Person

  • You may pay your tax bill at the Cook County Treasurer's Office, located at 118 North Clark Street, Room 112 (City Hall/County Building).

Questions about your property tax or how to appeal your assessment? 
Check out my easy-to-use guides for all Cook County residents:

Property Tax Appeal Workshop for North Chicago Township
January 25, 2013

North Chicago Township BoR Workshop

Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment: Jefferson, Lakeview, & North Chicago Townships
September 19, 2012

Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
The Cook County Assessor's Office and the Cook County Board of Review will be accepting appeals of property tax assessments for Jefferson, Lakeview, and North Chicago townships. Your property tax assessment or property value is the first factor used to calculate your property tax bill. Homeowners have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessment to ensure they have a fair and accurate tax bill in the future. You may appeal your assessed value for any of the following reasons: 
  • Lack of Uniformity: the assessed value of your property is not in line with other similar properties in your neighborhood. 
  • Over-Valuation: the proposed assessed valuation of your property is higher than its actual price. 
  • Property Description Error: this may be an error in the description of your property that adversely effects the assessed valuation or your property has been damaged by a fire, flood, or other casualty and/or part of all of the building has been demolished. 
Appeal Assistance Office Hours & Workshops
For each property tax township, I have arranged my staff to available at your local Alderman's office and workshops across the 10th District. For both office hours and workshops, please bring your most recent "Notice of Proposed Assessment" and any other additional documents you may deem important to file your appeal. Staff will be available to answer any questions you may have with the appeals process and to assist all homeowners in filing a successful appeal. You may view my full schedule of appeals assistance office hours and workshops by clicking here.

Commissioner Gainer's Appeal Outreach

Appeal Workshops
In collaboration with the Cook County Assessor's Office, the Cook County Board of Review (Commissioner Michael Cabonargi - 2nd District) and various Elected Officials, appeal workshops will be held for Jefferson, Lakeview, and North Chicago Townships. Staff from the Assessor's Office, Board of Review Commissioner Cabonargi, and various Elected Officials' offices will be available to assist homeowners. Homeowners may complete and submit their appeal at their township workshop. Please bring your 2012 "Notice of Proposed Assessment" letter, your most recent property tax bill (the "yellow form"), or any additional documents you deem important to your appeal.
Your Property Tax Township
Cook County is divided into multiple townships, with each township open for appeals by the Assessor's Office and Board of Review at different times. To find out which township your property belongs to, review the top-right corner of your most recent property tax bill where it is labeled or enter your Property Index Number or PIN at CookCountyPropertyInfo.com. For maps of property tax township within the 10th's district, click on the link below: 
If you need assistance with your appeal or have questions about the appeals process, please call 312-603-4210 or email Info@BridgetGainer.com.

2011 Second Installment Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2012
July 31, 2012

2011 Second Installment Property Tax Bill
Cook County Homeowners have received their 2011 Second Installment Property Tax Bills in the mail. Be sure to review your bill for any errors and to ensure all eligible exemptions are listed. In general, any exemption for which you have previously applied and qualified for along with any prior change in assessed value will be reflected on your second installment tax bill.
  • For a complete list of possible exemptions please visit the Cook County Assessor's website here.
How To Pay Your Property Tax Bill due Wednesday, August 1st
Online
By Mail
  • Mail must be postmarked August 1, 2012 to avoid any penalties and sent to: Cook County Treasurer PO Box 805436 Chicago IL 60602-4116
Reminders If You Pay By Mail
  1. Check should be addressed to: "Cook County Treasurer."
  2. Make sure your check includes on the top: Property Index Number and Property Address.
  3. Make sure you include in the memo section: 2011/2nd Installment.
  4. On the envelope itself: write your PIN and Volume Number.
  5. Send only the tax bill payment coupon with your check and keep the top portion of the tax bill for your records. 
At Your Local Chase Bank
  • For your convenience, tax bill payments are accepted at any of the 400-plus Chase Bank locations throughout Chicagoland. There is no additional fee to pay at any Chase Bank locations. 
At Your Local Community Bank
  • As part of the County Treasurer's community bank outreach program, you may pay your tax bill at your local community bank if you have a bank account with them. For the complete list of community banks accepting property tax bill payments, click here.
In Person
  • You may pay your tax bill at the Cook County Treasurer's Office, located at 118 North Clark Street, Room 112 (City Hall/County Building). 
Questions? Contact My Office 
If you are need of any assistance when it comes to property taxes or assessments, please call my office at 312-603-4210 or email Info@BridgetGainer.com. My office will be happy to assist you with your request.

Property Tax Assistance Office Hours at Your Alderman's Office
From July 17 to July 20 2012, I have arranged my staff to be available in ward offices throughout the Tenth District. Bring your 2011 second installment property tax bill (the "yellow form") to your local ward office so we can ensure you have an accurate bill with all eligible exemptions.

Tuesday, July 17
Wednesday, July 18
Thursday, July 19
Friday, July 20
Citizen Guides to Property Tax Bills & Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment 
In addition to above information, I have created the Citizens' Guide to Property Tax Bills that can be found on my website. This step-by-step guide walks a homeowner through the process the County took to determine each property tax bill. I have also created a separate Citizens' Guide to Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment which explains how to appeal your property tax assessment with both the County Assessor's Office and the County Board of Review.
Upcoming Appeal Workshops for Lakeview, Jefferson, & North Chicago Townships 
The Cook County Assessor's Office will be accepting property tax assessment appeals for Jefferson Township on August 17 2012 and North Township on September 14 2012. The Cook County Board of Review will start accepting appeals for Lakeview Township by mid-September 2012 (date to be determined). I will work with the Assessor's Office and Board of Review to host workshops to assist homeowners to file a successful appeal. Please check my website consistently for appeal workshop dates and locations.
  • To find out which township your home is located in, please review the upper-right hand corner of your property tax bill where the information is located or visit CookCountyPropertyInfo.com, click on "Search by PIN," and enter your 14 digit PIN.
Cook County Board of Review Accepting Appeals CountyWide by July 16 (Pre-File)
Beginning July 16 2012, all Cook County homeowners may file their property tax assessment appeals online at CookCountyBoardOfReview.com regardless of when your township opens. The Board of Review will hold the appeal application until the property tax township is open and the application will be reviewed along with other applications from the township. The filing of an appeal may reduce the assessed value of a property for a future tax bill and does not remove the obligation to pay the current 2011 second installment property tax bill in full and on time. 

CookCountyPropertyInfo.com 
The Cook County Property Information Portal is a collaborative effort that combines property tax information from the Cook County Assessor's Office, Board of Review, Clerk's Office, Recorder of Deeds, and the Treasurer's Office into one unified website. Enter your individual PIN to access comprehensive information about your property such as appeal or exemption opportunities and your taxing bodies (schools, libraries, etc) financial information. 
Cook County Taxing Body Debt Disclosure Report
There are 526 school districts, municipal governments and other taxing bodies throughout Cook County. County Treasurer Maria Pappas with Board President Preckwinkle have published information about these local governments in 138-page document that accompanied the July 1, 2012 Sunday print editions of the Chicago Tribune and other Chicago-area newspapers. 
  • If you missed it, you can find the report here. 
  • This report provides clear information on budget and debt figures for municipalities, school districts, police and fire districts, library districts and other units of government through the County. 
Follow Me on Facebook, Twitter, & EveryBlock
I will be providing consistent updates on workshops, important deadlines, and property tax assistance office hours on all of my social media outlets: 
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