Cook County taxpayers can log onto the web site of the Cook County Treasurer's Office to see whether their property taxes have been paid this year, Treasurer Maria Pappas announced today.

"Using the internet gives Cook County homeowners easy access to their own property-tax records, allows them to ensure that mortgage companies paid their taxes out of escrow accounts, and enables children to check on their elderly parents' taxes," Pappas said.

Pappas announced the enhancement of www.cookcountytreasurer.com as the second installment of property taxes for tax year 2000 was being collected in Cook County. After the final-payment due date of November 1, it can take about two weeks for payments to reach the web site, Pappas advised.

Pappas noted the web site would enable property owners to check on whether their mortgage companies paid their property taxes out of escrow accounts. Many will be able to ensure that the taxes of elderly parents, relatives and friends are paid, she said.

To use the Treasurer's Office's web site:

• Log onto www.cookcountytreasurer.com and click on "Payment Status."
• Enter the property's 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN) in box field and click on "Search."
• View screen showing both tax installments for tax year 2000 and any amount owed for 2000.

Persons finding no mortgage-company payment when they check the web site should contact the mortgage firm immediately, Pappas said.

The amount "owed" will not reflect back taxes from previous years, adjustments from certificates of error or tax appeals. Persons who owe taxes from previous years should contact the Office of the Cook County Clerk to avoid their delinquent taxes being sold at the annual Tax Sale.

Pappas noted that the property-tax data on her office's web site is for informational purposes only and can not be printed out for use as a property-tax bill.