Civic Federation Property Tax Primers

The Cook County property tax system is highly complex and often difficult for the public to understand. To improve transparency and promote accountability, the Civic Federation is updating its series of primers that explain the key processes and government entities involved in the property tax system. These primers were originally created between 2009 and 2011 and are available here.

Appeals

Coming soon

Assessment and Exemptions

Coming soon

Rates, Extensions and TIF

Report: The Cook County Property Tax Extension Process: A Primer, published August 6, 2025

Infographic: Cook County's Property Tax Extension Process

Infographic: Cook County Property Tax Bill Calculation

Tax Principles

Coming soon

The Civic Federation's Updated Position on the Cook County Property Tax System

Coming soon. Read Civic Federation's 2010 Position on the Cook County Property Tax System, published on December 20, 2010

Click here to read additional Civic Federation research about property tax issues.