Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today that her office has mailed 58,000 late notices for $118 million in unpaid property taxes originally due in 2004, and the property owners have until April 15, 2005, to avoid further late penalties.

By state law, unpaid property tax bills increase by 1.5 percent per month. Those who fail to pay by April 15 may receive a certified letter advising them that:

• Their delinquency could be published in a community newspaper.
• Their unpaid taxes could be offered at the Annual Tax Sale later this year.
• Their unpaid bill rose another 1.5 percent, effective April 16.

The late notices were the fourth warning mailed about unpaid taxes for tax year 2003, to have been paid in 2004. If tax buyers purchase delinquent taxes at the Tax Sale, redemption is costly for property owners because of fines and interest.

"To avoid more penalties and possible high redemption costs, please pay immediately," Pappas said.

Property owners whose taxes were to be paid by a mortgage company should contact the company immediately, Pappas said. Owners with questions can visit www.cookcountytreasurer.com or call 312.443.5100.