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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2021
LAKE COUNTY TREASURER HOLLY KIM ROLLS OUT NO-FEE PAYMENTS BY E-CHECK IN 2021
WAUKEGAN, IL – Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim announced a new free online payment option for property taxes. Starting on January 4, 2021, Lake County property owners can use the electronic check payment option without paying a fee by accessing the electronic payment portal on our website http://lakecountytreasurer.info/waystopay
“We are thrilled to offer a free, contactless option for Lake County homeowners to safely pay their property taxes,” said Treasurer Kim. “During this pandemic, it is vital that we look at ways to encourage payment online and by phone from the safety of your home.”
Electronic checks and credit card payments are processed by a private third-party vendor. Because Illinois does not allow a Treasurer to pay the fees associated with these services out of tax collections, Treasurers throughout Illinois have passed on processing fees for electronic payments to the property owner.
By renegotiating Lake County’s agreement with the electronic payment processor, Treasurer Kim was able to get them to agree to no-fee payments if the property owner uses an electronic check through the payment portal. In addition, the Treasurer’s Office will now begin accepting American Express cards in person. Previously, American Express was only available online. The credit card processing fee both online and in the Treasurer’s Office is 2.35% with a minimum of $1.95. Conveniently, your online payment will be processed instantly and a receipt will be emailed to you.
Lake County joins Cook County in offering a free online payment method. “Lowering fees for Lake County homeowners has been a strategic goal of mine as Treasurer.
An overwhelming majority of the residents pay with eCheck” Kim added. “During this summer's property tax season, I encourage Lake County homeowners to save on postage and take advantage of this new free option.”
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