Any homeowner in Cook County may designate another person or organization to be contacted by the Treasurer's Office only if the applicant's taxes become delinquent. This program was developed to provide peace of mind to property owners who may not be
able to receive or understand the severity of a tax-delinquency notice.
This "third party" then can follow up with the homeowner, family, or other trusted friends to make sure that the homeowner or others are aware of the delinquency and make arrangements to satisfy the taxes before the tax sale.
Under state law, sold taxes can result in loss of one's property.
How does this program work when taxes are unpaid?
The homeowner may designate a third party to receive a duplicate notice of the delinquency. This is in addition to any notice mailed to the homeowner.
Who is eligible?
Homeowners who are concerned that they may miss or not understand a tax notice, due to travel, sickness or any other reason.
Who should receive the notice?
Homeowners should name a trusted family member, friend, place of worship or other responsible organization willing to accept the responsibility.
Is the third party responsible for payment of Taxes?
No. The third party only receives an additional notice so that he or she may alert the homeowners or their relatives.
Why participate?
The program is free and serves as an added safety net to prevent property taxes from being sold to a tax buyer. Sold taxes may result in loss of property.
How do I apply, and is there a fee?
Fill out an application in the Cook County Treasurer's Office or download the form for this program under "Forms" and "Third Party Notification." There is no charge for residential property registration.
What if I change my mind?
The program is flexible. Participants may designate a new "third party" or withdraw at any time. If a property is sold, please notify the Treasurer's Office of this change of status.
For more information, please contact our office.
OPEN, COMPLETE AND PRINT A FORM TO ENROLL
IN THIS PROGRAM