Search Cook County Property Tax Records

Cook County property tax records are available through several online portals run by the county treasurer and assessor. With over 5.1 million residents, Cook County is the largest county in Illinois and handles more property tax records than any other county in the state. You can search tax bills, assessed values, payment history, and exemption status for any property in Cook County using a Property Index Number or street address. The county treasurer, assessor, clerk, and Board of Review each play a role in how property tax records are created and stored in Cook County. Free online tools make it simple to look up any parcel and see its full tax record.

Cook County Property Tax Search Portal

The main place to search Cook County property tax records is the Cook County Property Info portal. This site pulls data from the treasurer, assessor, and clerk offices into one tool. You can look up any property by address or PIN. The search results show billed amounts and tax history going back five years. You can also see exemptions, payment status, and links to pay your bill online.

The portal shows several types of Cook County property tax records in one place. You get the tax bill amounts, a breakdown of which taxing districts get your money, and any exemptions applied to the property. It also links to documents, deeds, and liens on file. For most people, this is the fastest way to find property tax records in Cook County without leaving home. The site is free to use and does not require an account.

You do not need a tax bill to pay at the Cook County Treasurer site. You can pay for free using your bank account. Credit and debit cards work too but may have fees. The treasurer site at cookcountytreasurer.com handles all payments and gives receipts you can save for your records.

Cook County Property Tax Assessments

Cook County uses different assessment levels than the rest of Illinois. Under 35 ILCS 200, most of Illinois assesses property at 33.33% of fair market value. Cook County is different. Residential property gets assessed at just 10% of market value. Commercial and industrial properties are assessed at 25%. These rates set the base for your property tax bill in Cook County.

The Cook County Assessor (Fritz Kaegi) runs the office that sets property values. You can search property details and assessment records at the assessor's address search tool. Type in an address and you get the assessed value, property description, and tax exemptions. The assessor's office is at 118 N. Clark St., Third Floor, Chicago, IL 60602. You can call them at 312.443.7550 or email taxinfo@cookcountyassessor.com with questions about your Cook County property tax records.

For even more detail, the detailed property information site shows full records including building characteristics, lot size, and comparable sales data. This tool is useful if you plan to appeal your assessment in Cook County.

Property Tax Appeals in Cook County

If you think your Cook County property is assessed too high, you can file an appeal. The first step is the Cook County Board of Review. The Board is at 118 N. Clark St., Room 601, Chicago, IL 60602. Call 312.603.5542 for more info. You can visit the Board of Review website to check appeal dates and deadlines. The Board reviews your evidence and decides if the assessed value should change.

After the Board of Review, you can take your case to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board if you still disagree. PTAB handles appeals from all over Illinois, including Cook County. Appeal records become part of your property tax file and show up in the assessor's system. The Cook County Clerk (Monica Gordon) also plays a role in the tax process. Call 312.603.5656 for tax and property matters or 312.603.5645 for prior tax years from 2017 and earlier in Cook County.

Cook County Property Tax Documents

The Cook County Clerk's office keeps recorded documents tied to property. You can search deeds, mortgages, liens, and other records at the recordings search tool. These documents often relate to property tax records because they show ownership changes, liens from unpaid taxes, and mortgage releases.

Recording fees in Cook County changed on April 1, 2024. Deeds now cost $107 to record. Mortgages and releases are also $107. A certified paper copy costs $55, and a certified digital PDF runs $65. These fees apply when you file new documents with the clerk. Looking up existing Cook County property tax records online through the search tools is free.

Note: Cook County property taxes are collected one year after they are imposed, so taxes for Tax Year 2024 are due in 2025.

Paying Cook County Property Taxes

The Cook County Treasurer (Maria Pappas) handles all property tax payments. The office is at 118 N. Clark Street, Room 112, Chicago, IL 60602. You can call the 24-hour automated system at 312.443.5100. For bankruptcy notices, email LBankruptcy@cookcountytreasurer.com. The treasurer site lets you look up what you owe and pay right from your computer.

Under Illinois law, unpaid property taxes in Cook County accrue statutory interest at the rate of 1.5% per month. That adds up fast. If taxes stay unpaid, the county holds a tax sale where investors pay the back taxes. The property owner then has a redemption period of 2 to 3 years to pay back the amount plus interest and penalties. All of these actions create property tax records that show up when you search a parcel in Cook County.

Cities in Cook County

Cook County has dozens of cities, villages, and towns. All property tax records for these areas are handled by the Cook County Treasurer and Assessor. Pick a city below to find local info about property tax records in that area.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cook County. If your property is near a county line, check which county your address falls in. Property tax records are kept by the county where the property sits.