Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas today reminded property owners that they have only a few days in which to pay current property taxes on time.

Payments received after Wednesday, October 1, 2003, will be penalized at 1.5 percent per month by state law.

"Owners of homes and other real property in Cook County should pay immediately to avoid costly penalties or even the loss of their property," Pappas said.

Taxpayers have several convenient ways to pay:

• At any of some 130 LaSalle Banks across Cook County.
• Online from a banking or checking account at www.cookcountytreasurer.com.
• Mailing check or money order (no cash) to the Treasurer's Office in the envelope that came with the bill.

Since Pappas' office began accepting payments at LaSalle in 1999, more than two million payments have been made at the bank. "Visiting a local bank is easier for many homeowners," Pappas said.

Online payments will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, Pappas said.

Pappas said envelopes mailed to her office must be postmarked no later than October 1 and have only one check per billing coupon. The check should show:

• Name, address and telephone number of the payer.
• Any e-mail address of the payer.
• Property Index Number (found on the bill).

"Go to your post office for a timely postmark," Pappas said. "Do not use a mailbox."

Taxpayers who have not received a bill or who have questions can call (312) 443-5100.

The Treasurer's Office now is collecting taxes for the second installment of tax year 2002 on 1.6 million parcels of real estate in Cook County. Pappas' office collects $8.2 billion annually in two installments, then distributes the revenue to 1,600 local taxing agencies.