Free Payment Plan Calculator now live online to help property owners spread out late tax payments and avoid tax sale

CHICAGO, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cook County Treasurer announced today that her free online Payment Plan Calculator is live online and available to property owners seeking a way to manage delinquent property taxes through smaller, scheduled payments.

The calculator, available at cookcountytreasurer.com, is designed for property owners who couldn't pay their tax bills in full by the October 1 due date and are now late. For delinquent balances greater than $100, taxpayers can create a personalized schedule to make payments once or twice a month.

"This is a free tool for people who need more time to pay their property taxes," the Treasurer said. "Rather than putting a large tax bill on a credit card or waiting until taxes are sold at the Annual Tax Sale, property owners can create a payment schedule they can afford."

The calculator provides taxpayers with as many as 13 additional months to pay a late bill before the unpaid taxes are subject to the legally required Annual Tax Sale.

How it works

Beginning October 2, you the property owner can:

• Go to cookcountytreasurer.com and click on the purple property-tax box.
• Enter your 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN) or property address.
• Find your delinquent bill and click the red Payment Plan Calculator button.
• Choose monthly or twice-monthly payments.
• Review the recommended schedule showing payment dates, amounts and the remaining balance.
• Switch between Summary View and Detailed View.
• Download or print your personalized payment schedule.
• Sign up for free email or text payment reminders.
• Make an immediate payment by selecting Pay Now.

Interest will continue to accrue on delinquent taxes at 9% annually, or 0.75% per month. The rate was previously 18% before legislative reforms supported by the Treasurer's Office cut it in half.

"The interest charge required by state law cannot be avoided, but taxpayers can take steps to avoid allowing a delinquent bill to grow into a bigger financial problem," the Treasurer said. "The Payment Plan Calculator gives property owners a clear roadmap for paying what they owe and protecting their investment in their home."

The Treasurer's Office encourages Cook County, Illinois property owners having difficulty paying their taxes in full to register now and use the Payment Plan Calculator beginning immediately.

A short video tutorial is available walking taxpayers through the steps of using the Payment Plan Calculator in English, Spanish or Polish.

SOURCE Office of the Cook County Treasurer