As the Aug. 1 property tax deadline looms for Cook County residents, the county announced earlier this week it is rolling out a free service to help manage late payments.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office said the new tool, the Payment Plan Calculator, will be available on Friday. It will help homeowners design payment plans. In a press release, Pappas said the goal is to help homeowners who are struggling with their bills.

“There is no need for homeowners to be at the mercy of the merciless Annual Tax Sale,” Pappas said. “This Payment Plan Calculator can help them keep control when they may think all is lost.”

Pappas mentioned that her office has previously accepted partial tax bill payments. The calculator is intended to offer a practical solution for individuals who are at risk of having their overdue taxes sold at the county’s Annual Tax Sale, an auction of unpaid property taxes.

Taxpayers may sign up to receive email or text notifications reminding them to make the monthly or biweekly payments recommended by the Payment Plan Calculator.

There is a tutorial on using the Payment Plan Calculator at cookcountytreasurer.com, available on YouTube.

Village of Park Forest officials have acknowledged that many residents are concerned about their property taxes. 

Earlier this month, at a board meeting, Park Forest Mayor Joseph A. Woods spoke on behalf of the board and addressed the issues regarding property taxes.

You can read and watch his comments by clicking here.