Property owners should check on this website to ensure that their property tax payments are being recorded correctly and on time, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.

Pappas said property owners paying taxes through an escrow account with their mortgage companies should click on Payment Status and enter their 14-number Property Index Number to see whether payments have been made or are due.

"But all owners of homes, businesses and land should check on their payment status, whether they pay through escrow or make their own payments," Pappas said. "Delinquent payments might be sold to tax buyers, causing owners to lose money in penalties and costs to redeem."

Pappas' office is preparing to mail 2^nd Installment bills for Tax Year 2009 in November. Bills for the 1^st Installment of Tax Year 2010 will be issued early in 2011 and will be due April 1. Pappas pointed out that the 1^st Installment bills will be 55 percent of the previous year's total bill - a change mandated by the Illinois Legislature from 50 percent.

"The 'Payment Status' icon can help owners keep track of their payments," Pappas said.

For further information, click on "Payments" near the left-top of the Home Page and open the "Payment Status" drop-down.