The DuPage County Board voted last week to authorize the county treasurer to waive late fees on property tax payments for taxpayers who can show financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Interest penalties for late payments of the first installment of property taxes, which are due June 1, will be postponed until Sept. 1 for property owners who meet certain criteria. If the payment of the first installment is made after Sept. 1, penalties will revert to June 1.
“This step will ensure we keep our vital county services operational while helping to ease the impact on those who may have been impacted by the virus,” Chairman Dan Cronin said
To receive relief, one or more of the following must apply:
• The property owner was laid off or terminated from employment after March 9 and had been employed for at least 90 days prior to termination
• The taxpayer has seen a reduction in income of 20 percent or greater
• The property owner has been unable to collect at least 80 percent of collectible rent on the property from March 1 to May 30
• A property owner owns a business located on the property that was shut down after being classified as nonessential and the applicant has not applied for and received relief pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program.
Property taxes paid through escrow are not subject to relief. For now, the Sept. 1 tax deadline for the second installment of property taxes will remain unchanged and late penalties will still apply.
To apply for waived late payment fees, visit https://www.dupageco.org/treasurer.
