Chicago – September 23, 2025
Cook County property owners are still waiting for their second installment tax bills months after they’re typically mailed out in the summer.
The delay stems from a years-long technology upgrade that county officials say is more complex than anticipated, and residents are growing increasingly frustrated.
NBC 5 Responds has heard from dozens of taxpayers, including Colette, who wrote: “Why are second installments late every year? It’s a pain in the neck. Playing with my mortgage company, playing with my escrow account, it’s nuts.”
Another resident, Eve, added: “No system update in the world takes months on end.”
Austin Berg, executive director of the Chicago Policy Center, warns the delay could have serious consequences.
“This is just creating an insane uncertainty,” Berg said. “If this keeps dragging for months and months, we’re in uncharted territory really for the city and the county. There will need to be more borrowing and there will be a lot more finger pointing in blame.”
He also urged property owners to prepare for the unknown.
“You should be prepared for whatever comes in the mail in the form of that property tax bill. You should save money,” he said.
Tyler Technologies said the upgrade involves integrating three county agencies—each using different legacy systems—and converting 20 years of data. The company also cited agency leadership changes and a request to convert data for a board audit as reasons for the delay.
No timeline for completion was provided.
