Tax Foreclosure in Chicago: Cook County Scavenger Sales Explained
How Tax Sales Work in Cook County
Cook County, Illinois has one of the most complex property tax collection systems in the country. When property taxes go unpaid, the process involves multiple types of sales governed by the Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200).
Annual Tax Sale
When property taxes become delinquent (typically after 13 months), the Cook County Treasurer's Office sells tax liens at the Annual Tax Sale. At this sale, investors bid on the interest rate they are willing to accept — the lowest bidder wins the lien. The property owner then owes the delinquent taxes plus the bid interest rate. The owner has a redemption period (typically two and a half years for residential property, six months for commercial property and vacant lots) to pay the taxes, interest, and fees.
Scavenger Sale
The Scavenger Sale is unique to Cook County and is required by Illinois law every two years. It covers properties with three or more years of delinquent taxes. At the Scavenger Sale, the opening bid on a parcel is $250, or one-half of the total taxes due if that amount is less than $500. The minimum bidding increment is $50. The highest bidder wins the tax lien.
Nearly 30,000 properties have been identified as languishing in the Scavenger Sale system in Cook County. If the property owner does not redeem within the requisite period, the tax buyer can petition the Circuit Court of Cook County for a tax deed to the property.
Tax Deed Petition
After the redemption period expires, the lien holder files a Tax Deed Petition in the Circuit Court of Cook County. This is a court proceeding. If the court grants the petition, the lien holder receives a deed to the property, and the former owner loses all rights to it.
Important: Illinois Surplus Proceeds Law
As of 2025, Illinois remains one of the last states where homeowners caught in tax foreclosure can lose their home equity without receiving surplus proceeds. Advocacy organizations and legal groups are actively working on legislative reform. Check with Illinois Legal Aid Online (illinoislegalaid.org) for the latest developments.
Programs and Resources That Can Help
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD)
CCLAHD provides free legal assistance to Cook County residents facing eviction, foreclosure, consumer debt, and tax deed issues — regardless of income, language, or immigration status.
- Early Resolution Program Hotline: (855) 452-2637 — call for legal help with tax deed property sales
- Website: cookcountylegalaid.org
Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund
A $15 million program providing one-time payments of $1,000 to eligible homeowners who experienced a property tax increase of at least 30% in the 2021, 2022, or 2023 tax years. Household income must be at or below 100% of the County Area Median Income.
- Website: cookcountyil.gov
Cook County Treasurer's Office
The Treasurer's Office offers payment plans and can provide information about your property's tax status and whether it is at risk of a tax sale.
- Phone: (312) 443-5100
- Website: cookcountytreasurer.com
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Free legal information for Illinois residents, including resources on property tax exemptions, tax sales, and foreclosure rights.
- Website: illinoislegalaid.org
Property Tax Exemptions
Cook County offers multiple exemptions that can reduce your property tax bill: Homeowner Exemption, Senior Citizen Exemption, Senior Freeze Exemption, Longtime Homeowner Exemption, Disabled Persons Exemption, Disabled Veterans Exemption, and Returning Veterans Exemption. Contact the Cook County Assessor's Office at (312) 443-7550 to apply.
Emergency Steps If You Are Facing a Tax Sale
- Check your property's tax status immediately at cookcountytreasurer.com. Know exactly how many years you are delinquent.
- Contact the Cook County Treasurer's Office at (312) 443-5100 to discuss payment plan options.
- Call CCLAHD at (855) 452-2637 for free legal assistance, especially if a Tax Deed Petition has been filed against your property.
- Apply for all property tax exemptions you qualify for through the Cook County Assessor's Office at (312) 443-7550. Many homeowners leave money on the table by not claiming exemptions.
- Check your property's assessed value. If it is too high, file an appeal with the Cook County Assessor during the open appeal period for your township. An accurate assessment can significantly reduce your bill.
- Apply for the Homeowner Relief Fund if you qualify at cookcountyil.gov.
- Visit auctionblock.org/get-help for additional guidance and resources.
Know Your Rights
- You have the right to a redemption period after a tax lien is sold. For residential owner-occupied property, this is typically two and a half years.
- You have the right to receive notice before a Tax Deed Petition is filed.
- You have the right to redeem your property by paying all delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and fees before the redemption period expires.
- You have the right to appear in court and contest a Tax Deed Petition.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company that has not yet served its first family. Tax sale laws, exemption amounts, and program eligibility change frequently. Verify all deadlines and eligibility requirements directly with the agencies listed above. If you are facing a tax sale or tax deed proceeding, consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.
Need help? Visit auctionblock.org/get-help to connect with resources in your area.