Thousands of Cook County Homeowners Could Be Getting a Refund. Here's Why

The refunds will go to more than 53,000 property owners in the Chicago-area county, totaling more than $47 million

Published January 18, 2023 • Updated on January 18, 2023 at 1:20 pm

Thousands of Cook County homeowners will be getting a check automatically within the next few months, according to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

The money will be a refund for those who overpaid their first installment property taxes last year.

The refunds will go to more than 53,000 property owners in the Chicago-area county, totaling more than $47 million.

"If you have a refund coming, we’ll find you and return your money," Pappas said in a statement. "By putting refunds on automatic pilot, we’re eliminating a lot of unnecessary paperwork and applications."

Here's what residents need to know:

When will the refund money arrive?

The refund checks are expected to start distribution this week, and will continue over the next several months.

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How will I receive the money?

For more than half of those eligible for a refund, the funds will be deposited directly into their accounts over the next three months.

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Here’s a breakdown from the treasurer's office:

• 16,629 homeowners who paid their property taxes online will see a total of $14.8 million electronically deposited to their bank or credit card accounts
• 22,241 homeowners who paid their taxes through a bank/mortgage escrow account will be mailed refund checks totaling $14.8 million
• 14,137 homeowners who paid taxes totaling $17.4 million in cash or by check will receive an electronic refund or will be mailed a refund application to ensure the proper party receives the refund

How do I know if I'm eligible for a refund?

Residents can check if they're eligible for an automatic refund by visiting cookcountytreasurer.com. Select the purple box labeled "Your Property Tax Overview" and enter your address or 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN).

Who is getting refunds?

The treasurer's office noted that most of the refunds are going to homeowners receiving property tax exemptions, which are applied to the Second Installment tax bill and reduce the total taxes due. The possible exemptions could include: homeowner, senior citizen, senior freeze and disabled persons.