Taxes and Fees

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Understanding H.R. 1: How Federal Tax Code Changes Could Impact Illinois

by Paula R. WorthingtonDownload the Executive SummaryExecutive SummaryAs the State of Illinois (Illinois or…

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Estimated Full Value of Real Property in Cook County: 2006-2023

by Roland CaliaClick here to read the full report

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How reliable is Chicago’s assumption of casino revenue?

by Grant McClintock Since opening in September 2023, Chicago’s temporary casino has consistently underperformed revenue expectations. Presented as a potential windfall to support Chicago’s underfunded police and fire pensions, every…

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Property Tax Limitations in Practice: What the Data Reveals About Property Tax Caps in Cook County

by Christopher Berry, Roland Calia, Eric Langowski, and Annie McGowanClick here to read the full report…

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Which Cuts Didn't Make the Cut - Efficiency Opportunities for Chicago's FY2026 Budget

by Daniel Vesecky Note: This summary was prepared in advance of the November 10, 2025, hearing to serve as an easy reference for City Council members, media, advocates, and Chicago residents.With the City of Chicago (Chicago or the ‘…

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Chicago's FY2026 Proposed Budget: A Stumbling Start

By Grant McClintock and Daniel VeseckyUpdate 11/6/2025: On November 5, S&P Global Ratings adjusted its outlook on Chicago’s credit rating from stable to negative. Read the Civic Federation's…

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Property Tax Collection Rates in Cook County: Trends, Disparities, and Fiscal Implications

Click here to read the full report

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Setting the Record Straight: How Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Actually Interacts with the Chicago Public Schools

by Daniel VeseckyTax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts are a complex, often misunderstood part of Chicago’s tax structure. TIF Districts segment and dedicate a portion of property tax collections within a designated geographic area to…

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The Cook County Property Tax Extension Process: A Primer

Click here to read the full report

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Diverse Coalition Encourages Action on Sales Tax Modernization to Strengthen Illinois' Fiscal Future

A coalition of Illinois policy and civic leaders released Modernizing Illinois' Sales Tax: A Pathway to a Sustainable Future, which outlines the potential impacts of updating the state’s sales tax system. The report — coauthored by…