More than 55,000 properties are in Cook County’s Tax Sale and 21,000 owe under $1,000

The deadline for Cook County property owners to avoid the Annual Tax Sale is fast approaching. Properties with unpaid 2020 property taxes (that were due in 2021) will be offered November 15 - 18, 2022.

Over $226 million is due on 55,857 homes, businesses and land. Less than $1,000 is owed on 14,189 properties in Chicago and 7,162 properties in suburban Cook County.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is mailing certified notices informing property owners that their unpaid taxes are to be sold, which would put a lien against their properties. It is the first step in a process that can end with the loss of a home, business or land. In addition to the mailings, the Treasurer’s Office will publish delinquency property tax lists in area newspapers.

Owners can avoid the Tax Sale by paying the delinquent taxes and interest before the sale begins November 15. Check to see if your taxes are delinquent by visiting cookcountytreasurer.com. Use the box on the home page labeled “Avoid the Tax Sale” to search for your home or other property by entering a Property Index Number or an address. Property owners can also use the website to make sure they are receiving the exemptions for which they qualify. Exemptions include the homeowner exemption, senior exemption and senior freeze exemption.

Payment can be made in five ways:

• Online for free at cookcountytreasurer.com
• In person at any Chase Bank location
• In person at any of more than 100 community banks where you have an account
• By mail
• In person at the Treasurer’s Office

Per Illinois law, an annual tax sale is conducted 13 months after the due date. But pandemic-related issues delayed the 2018 and 2019 tax sales. The 2018 Tax Sale was held in November 2021 and the 2019 Tax Sale was held this past May.

Opportunity in the Construction Building Trades with St. Paul Community Development Ministries

Are you interested in increasing your economic stability with high living wages, health benefits, and a pension, or do you know someone who is? Please share this information via all available communications, verbal and electronic.

St. Paul Community Development Ministries is excited to announce and invite you, relatives, friends, and neighbors to attend its 3rd cohort class for 2022 and join others on a career path with the USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

As the available slots are quickly filling up, there should be no reason to miss this free opportunity for your success, so now is the time to make your appointment immediately. 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmbC7b7xzp8

CPS Job Fair Oct. 19

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, CPS is having a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register here or scan the QR code below. You can also apply to open positions at cps.edu/careers.

DoIT Recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is reminding residents of ways to avoid cyber risks.

“Electronic devices keep us connected to the world and provide a gateway to many essential services,” said DoIT Secretary & State CIO Jennifer Ricker. “By utilizing cybersecurity best practices and maintaining awareness of malicious cyber techniques, residents can better protect their personal information online.”

How can I keep my data safe?

• Password protection is the single most important thing you can do to keep your data safe.
• Use a unique password for each account.
• Do not include your name, your kids’ names or pets’ names in any password.
• Avoid using known information about you in your passwords.
• Use a combination of upper and lowercase characters.
• Keep your Internet browser and operating system up to date with the latest versions.
• Be cautious about any online offers.
• Monitor your online bank and credit accounts for unauthorized or suspicious spending.
• Talk with your family about the importance of cybersecurity.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a technique used to get your personal information by email, websites or phone. Phishing is an attempt to dishonestly gather personal information from you or to install malicious software on your device.

To avoid becoming a victim of phishing:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
• Delete emails asking for personal information and block the sender.
• Do not visit websites that may attempt to install malicious software.
• Never give personal information to anyone over the phone or online.

For more cybersecurity tips, visit www.ready.gov/cybersecurity.

Attachments

• DoIT Recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month