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Cook County Tax Refunds & Payments Delayed Due to Troubled System Upgrade

Upgrade by Tyler Technologies causes major delays. Homeowners and agencies await refunds and payments, with some potentially not issued until late 2023.

In this picture we can see red color double Decker bus is parked in the front. Behind there is a...
In this picture we can see red color double Decker bus is parked in the front. Behind there is a shed and electrical pole.

Cook County Tax Refunds & Payments Delayed Due to Troubled System Upgrade

A computer system upgrade in Cook County has led to significant delays in property tax refunds and payments, affecting millions of dollars. Over 37,000 homeowners and 2,200 taxing agencies, including those in Los Angeles, are impacted. One homeowner, Sherry Schnell of South Barrington, is still owed more than $9,000 despite completing the necessary paperwork, asking 'Where's my refund?'.

The upgrade, being carried out by Tyler Technologies, has been marred by issues. The company's business license was revoked but later reinstated. The Cook County Assessor's Office and Board of Review have been involved in processing certificates of error, including that of Sherry Schnell. A field inspection was conducted on Schnell's home as part of the process. However, the delays persist, with the second installment property tax bills potentially not being issued until November or December.

The upgrade is not only affecting refunds but also holding back millions of dollars in property tax payments to various taxing agencies. The total amount affected is over $84 million, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The computer system upgrade, intended to streamline processes, has instead caused significant inconvenience and financial strain for many in Cook County. While the cause of the delays is clear, the exact timeline for resolution remains uncertain. Homeowners and taxing agencies alike await the completion of the upgrade to receive their refunds and payments, wondering 'Where's my refund?'

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