Cook County property owners are still waiting for their second installment tax bills months after they’re typically mailed out in the summer.
The delay stems from a years-long technology upgrade that county officials say is more complex than anticipated, and residents are growing increasingly frustrated.
NBC 5 Responds has heard from dozens of taxpayers, including Colette, who wrote: “Why are second installments late every year? It’s a pain in the neck. Playing with my mortgage company, playing with my escrow account, it’s nuts.”
Another resident, Eve, added: “No system update in the world takes months on end.”
Nearly $87 Million in Contracts
According to records, Cook County contracted Tyler Technologies to implement a new integrated property tax and mass appraisal system.
Records reviewed by NBC 5 Responds show Cook County awarded the company two contracts since 2015—one for the Integrated Property Tax and Mass Appraisal System, and another for the Electronic Court Docket and Case Management System. Together, the contracts total nearly $87 million.
However, Tyler Technologies’ business license with the State of Illinois was revoked on Sept. 12, according to the Secretary of State’s office. The company failed to file an annual report and must now pay fees and submit paperwork to reinstate its license.
Tyler Technologies declined an on-camera interview but said in a statement it is working with the state to resolve the issue.
Budget Uncertainty and Taxpayer Confusion
Austin Berg, executive director of the Chicago Policy Center, warns the delay could have serious consequences.
“This is just creating an insane uncertainty,” Berg said. “If this keeps dragging for months and months, we’re in uncharted territory really for the city and the county. There will need to be more borrowing and there will be a lot more finger pointing in blame.”
He also urged property owners to prepare for the unknown.
“You should be prepared for whatever comes in the mail in the form of that property tax bill. You should save money,” he said.
Tyler Technologies said the upgrade involves integrating three county agencies—each using different legacy systems—and converting 20 years of data. The company also cited agency leadership changes and a request to convert data for a board audit as reasons for the delay.
No timeline for completion was provided.
What Taxpayers Need to Know
According to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office:
Property tax bills are due 30 days after the mailing date.
Interest will not accrue until after the due date passes.
Taxpayers who do not escrow are advised to save monthly in anticipation of the bill.
NBC 5 Responds requested an interview with Preckwinkle’s office but the request was declined. We were promised a statement from the county president, but as of publication, we have not received one.