Office Re-Opens to Public with In-Person Visits by Appointment Only

Property owners encouraged to use online services 

CHICAGO / COOK COUNTY: The Cook County Assessor’s Office announced the re-opening of its office locations to the public, in accordance with Cook County’s reopening plan. Many of the office’s services can also be accessed online at cookcountyassessor.com. For any in-person visits an appointment and face covering are required.

“During the month before tax bills are due, many homeowners have questions about how to apply for missing property tax exemptions, which can potentially save those thousands of dollars,” said Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “We’re limiting in-person access to our office due to COVID-19, but property owners should know they can apply for these exemptions and other services at our website.”  

Homeowners can apply for missing property tax exemptions online at cookcountyassessor.com. A list of frequently asked questions and answers about tax bills is also available as well as information about how to file an appeal online. Property owners can also make appointments for in-person visits online or by calling (312) 443-7550. All in-person visits will require a mask, physical distancing, and a health screening. These requirements apply to the downtown location as well as the Markham and Skokie branch offices. (Bridgeview has not re-opened to the public at this time.)

For those without access to a computer, Assessor’s Office staff are available by phone at 312-443-7550. 

“Our staff has been doing great work at home to process appeals and exemptions during this extraordinary time,” said Assessor Kaegi. “I’m grateful we have an office full of dedicated public servants who are here to help, even as we are away from the office.” 

In addition to applying for missing exemptions online, the Assessor’s Office’s website can assist property owners with updating their property location address and filing assessment appeals.

Additional services are available from other property tax offices. Property tax bills should be paid via cookcountytreasurer.com while questions about ownership of property, foreclosures, or liens are handled at cookrecorder.com.  

Results of appeals filed with the Assessor’s Office will not be available for pickup in person. All results will be mailed to property owners or property tax practitioners, depending on their representation. 

Per Cook County ordinance, tax bills are due on August 3rd, however no late fees or penalties will be incurred if tax bills are paid by October 1st, 2020.

The 2020 reassessment of the south and west suburbs continues as the Assessor’s Office makes adjustments to property values due to the economic and market effects of COVID-19. Details about this effort, as well as adjustments made to property values in the north suburbs and Chicago, can be found at cookcountyassessor.com/covid19. Updates to the assessment and appeal calendar can be found at cookcountyassessor.com/calendar. 
 

Update: A previous version of this news release incorrectly stated results letters would not be sent to practitioners if they were representing property owners. This has been corrected.