Today we finally unraveled a delinquent property tax bill for a 93 year old taxpayer after months of bureaucratic red tape. Her family would like to prepare her house for sale so she can afford to move to a memory care facility. While making plans to pack up the house and sell, they discovered a notice for delinquent property taxes dating back to 2005.
It turns out our taxpayer transposed numbers on her check while making her property tax payment and shorted the county $.60.
Delinquent taxes that have passed through the Cook County Treasurer's tax sale deadline must be redeemed through the Cook County Clerk's office. Amazingly, the Cook County Clerk won't tell you how much interest has been added to a delinquent bill until you pay them $10 and order an estimate of redemption.
The estimate of redemption arrived today.
We took up a collection around the office for the $2.74 the county requested for redemption and paid our taxpayer's bill. She has enough problems without holding up the sale of her home for a $.60 mistake. We never know what property tax issue will arrive at our counter on any given day, it's always interesting. If you have a property tax problem, please stop by. We will work your case to resolution no matter how long it takes, and please take care when paying your property tax bill. Be sure to pay the correct amount.
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