Privacy Policy – Cook County Property Appraiser

Privacy Policy outlines the commitment of the Cook County Assessor’s Office to protecting sensitive information related to property assessments and taxation. We know users require strong assurances about property data privacy Cook County operations. This document serves as the official Cook County appraisal office privacy notice, detailing the privacy practices Cook County assessor staff follow when handling public and non-public data. Maintaining Cook County property records confidentiality is a top priority, ensuring that homeowners, real estate professionals, and the public trust our systems. This statement addresses your concerns about how we manage the vast amount of data Cook County real estate data protection requires, going beyond simple public record dissemination. The Cook County property appraisal confidentiality rules are strictly applied to all assessment and valuation processes. We clarify the distinction between information considered public under the Cook County public records privacy policy and the limitations set by the Cook County personal information policy that governs data like contact details. This comprehensive privacy statement Cook County property appraiser presents our authoritative position on data security and ethical information management. We want every user to feel confident that the Cook County assessor office data protection measures are robust and transparent, directly tackling the core pain point of data misuse or unauthorized access within our systems.

Privacy Policy establishes the strict data privacy guidelines Cook County property office employees follow when collecting, using, and sharing property-related information. This includes specific standards for Cook County property tax data privacy, ensuring taxpayer identification and financial details remain secure against unauthorized disclosure. The property information privacy Cook County residents expect is codified here, explaining how we manage Cook County property database privacy practices across all digital platforms. This document functions as the official Cook County property appraiser privacy policy, explicitly covering all Cook County appraisal services privacy considerations, from initial data collection to final value calculations. We address how we apply the real estate records confidentiality Cook County standards to digital and physical files, including Cook County GIS & parcel data privacy protocols. The entire data handling policy Cook County property office operates under is explained simply, detailing security measures like encryption and access control. This clarity on Cook County property tax information privacy and the use of the office’s systems is crucial for maintaining public trust and demonstrating our commitment to secure information management.

Information We Collect

The Cook County Assessor’s Office collects certain pieces of data to perform its legal duty: accurately valuing property for tax purposes. This collection supports the core function of the office. We collect both public data, which state law requires us to maintain, and non-public personal details needed for specific interactions. The type of data gathered depends on your interaction with our systems, such as filing an appeal or using the online map services. Our commitment to Cook County property records confidentiality begins at this collection stage.

We restrict data collection to only what is necessary for assessment, exemption, and appeal processes. This adherence minimizes the risk exposure for all property owners. The data privacy guidelines Cook County property office staff follow ensure that any data collected is relevant and serves a clear, mandated purpose. Understanding these collection points helps users feel secure about their property data privacy Cook County protections.

Data You Provide Voluntarily

Property owners and their representatives often provide data directly to the Assessor’s Office. This voluntary submission occurs when you seek a service or file a specific document. Examples include filing for property tax exemptions or submitting evidence during a valuation appeal. This data is essential for accurate assessment work.

When you fill out forms, such as a Homeowner Exemption application (Form 237) or an appeal petition, you provide personal identifying information. This may include your name, contact phone number, email address, and specific financial details about a property sale. The Cook County personal information policy governs the handling of these non-public details.

Examples of Voluntarily Provided Data:

• Name and mailing address submitted with a property tax appeal.
• Email address for receiving assessment change notifications.
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for specific, legally required exemptions (e.g., Senior Freeze).
• Sale price and closing date provided on transfer declarations.
• Physical characteristics and photographs submitted to support a valuation claim.

The office uses this information solely to process your request and to verify eligibility for tax relief. We take specific security steps to protect sensitive identifiers like SSNs, which are not considered public record under the Cook County public records privacy policy.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the Assessor’s website or use the Public GIS mapping tools, certain pieces of data are gathered automatically. This collection helps us maintain system security, analyze website performance, and improve user experience. This data does not typically identify you personally unless you are logged into a specific user account.

The automatic collection process includes logging your IP address and the pages you view. This technical data aids in troubleshooting and preventing misuse of public resources. We apply Cook County GIS & parcel data privacy standards to ensure map usage statistics remain separated from personal property files.

Types of Automatically Collected Data:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device used to access the website.
• Browser type and operating system.
• Date and time of website access.
• Pages viewed and the duration of the visit.
• Referring website address.

This technical data is aggregated and used for statistical analysis. It helps the office determine which online services are most used and where system improvements are needed. This practice aligns with standard web security and performance monitoring protocols, supporting Cook County assessor office data protection efforts.

How We Use Your Information

The Cook County Assessor’s Office uses collected information strictly for its legally mandated public functions. These functions center on property valuation, administering tax exemptions, and managing appeals. Every use of personal or property data is tied directly to these official duties. This commitment reinforces the integrity of the Cook County property tax data privacy standards we uphold.

We do not use property or personal data for commercial purposes or for any activity outside of the official scope of the Assessor’s Office. Clarity on data usage is a core component of the Cook County appraisal office privacy notice. This transparency builds trust with the public regarding how Cook County real estate data protection is practiced daily.

For Service Improvements

Data analysis helps us make our public services more efficient and accurate. For instance, analyzing trends in appeal data allows us to refine valuation models for future assessment cycles. This improves fairness and accuracy across the county.

Website usage statistics allow us to reorganize site navigation and improve the accessibility of online property search tools. By knowing which pages are slow or confusing, we can invest resources where they matter most to the user experience. This continuous refinement supports better Cook County appraisal services privacy by making secure channels easier to use.

Examples of Data Use for Improvement:

• Analyzing aggregated user clicks on the property search page to simplify the search form.
• Reviewing the success rate of exemption applications to improve form clarity and instructions.
• Using technical data to identify and fix security weaknesses in the public-facing property database.
• Evaluating the speed and reliability of the online appeal filing system.

The goal is to simplify interactions for the public while maintaining the high standards set by the data handling policy Cook County property office personnel must follow. Better systems mean fewer errors and a stronger commitment to property information privacy Cook County residents expect.

Communication & Notifications

We use contact information provided voluntarily to communicate important updates related to your property. This is a primary function of the office to ensure property owners receive timely notices about their valuation.

Examples of these communications include official assessment notices, appeal status updates, and reminders about exemption deadlines. We rely on accurate contact details to fulfill our legal requirement to notify property owners. This is a crucial element of Cook County property tax information privacy, as it ensures only the owner or their representative receives sensitive valuation data.

Types of Official Communications:

1. Sending email or physical mail notices about a change in property assessed value.
2. Providing status updates on a filed property tax appeal.
3. Notifying property owners about available tax exemptions and filing periods.
4. Responding directly to a user query submitted through an official website contact form.

The office takes care to verify the identity of the recipient for sensitive communications. You can generally manage your preferences for electronic communications through the official website portal, subject to legal requirements for official notice.

Legal and Compliance Purposes

The Assessor’s Office operates under strict state and local laws. We use collected data to comply with legal mandates, including public disclosure laws and security regulations. This use is non-negotiable and forms the legal basis for much of our data handling.

Data must be maintained and used to support the official assessment roll, which is a public record required by Illinois state law. We also use data when responding to valid legal processes, such as subpoenas or court orders. This aligns with the real estate records confidentiality Cook County statutes, which balance public access with personal data protection.

Compliance Requirements:

• Maintaining records for seven years to comply with auditing and government accountability standards.
• Using property data to generate the annual assessment roll as required by the Illinois Property Tax Code.
• Disclosing specific property characteristics that are considered public record upon request.
• Verifying the identity of individuals requesting non-public data related to a specific property.

The legal framework dictates what information is publicly accessible and what must be protected. The office’s adherence to these rules demonstrates its commitment to the highest standard of Cook County property appraisal confidentiality rules.

Data Protection and Security Measures

Protecting the data entrusted to the Cook County Assessor’s Office is a primary security objective. We implement layers of technical and procedural controls to safeguard personal and property information. These measures meet or exceed the standards for government data security. The office treats Cook County property database privacy practices with extreme seriousness.

Our security framework is regularly reviewed and updated to address new threats. This proactive approach ensures that the Cook County assessor office data protection systems remain effective against unauthorized access or breaches. We commit resources to maintain a secure digital environment for all stored data.

Encryption and Secure Access

Encryption is a core tool used to protect data both when it is stored and when it is being transmitted. This process scrambles data, making it unreadable to anyone without the correct digital key. This standard practice is applied to sensitive personal information.

We use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt data submitted through our website forms. This ensures that details like your name or exemption information are secured during transmission over the internet. Storage of non-public data uses industry-standard encryption protocols to maintain Cook County property records confidentiality.

Key Security Technologies:

These technical controls are fundamental to our data privacy guidelines Cook County property office staff rely on. They ensure that even in the unlikely event of system intrusion, the data remains protected.

Internal Access Restrictions

Not all employees have access to all data. We enforce strict internal controls based on the principle of “least privilege.” This means staff members can only access the data necessary to perform their specific job duties. An assessor valuing a property does not need access to the IT administrator’s security logs, for example.

Access logs are routinely audited to monitor who views sensitive files and when. Any suspicious activity triggers an immediate internal review. This procedural control is a vital part of the Cook County real estate data protection strategy, guarding against internal misuse or error.

Procedural Safeguards:

• Role-based access controls limit which database fields an employee can view or edit.
• Mandatory annual privacy and security training for all staff.
• Regular audits of system access logs by the security team.
• Formal disciplinary action for any violation of the Cook County personal information policy.

These restrictions ensure that personal data is seen only by the few people who require it to process your property assessment or exemption request. This limits the exposure of non-public information significantly.

Additional Security Practices

Beyond technical encryption and access limits, the office maintains other practical security practices. This includes physical security for paper records and secure disposal methods for outdated data. Security is a continuous operational concern, not a one-time setup.

We use secure, certified shredding services for any physical documents containing personal identifiers. Digital data is securely wiped or destroyed when it reaches the end of its legally required retention period. These practices reinforce the overall effectiveness of the privacy practices Cook County assessor staff must follow.

Physical and Operational Security:

1. Secure, locked storage for all physical property appeal files and exemption applications.
2. Use of certified data destruction methods (shredding, secure digital wiping).
3. Regular penetration testing of public-facing web applications by third-party experts.
4. A formal incident response plan for addressing potential data breaches quickly and effectively.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates our deep commitment to property data privacy Cook County residents expect from a major government agency. We prioritize security at every step of the data lifecycle.

Opt-Out Preferences

The Cook County Assessor’s Office provides property owners with specific choices regarding how certain non-public data is used. While the office must collect and use data to perform its legal duty (property assessment), some secondary uses can be limited upon request. This control over data is a key feature of the Cook County property appraiser privacy policy.

We honor requests to restrict the use of contact information for non-essential communications. Property owners have the ability to manage their notification settings for certain non-mandated updates. This respects the desire for heightened Cook County property tax information privacy.

How to Limit the Use of Your Data

Property owners can often limit the use of their email address or phone number for voluntary communications. For example, if the office offers a newsletter about general property tax trends, you can opt out of receiving it. You cannot, however, opt out of receiving legally required assessment notices.

To limit the use of your data, you must generally submit a formal request through the official office channels. This often involves using an online portal or sending a signed written request to the Assessor’s Office. The process is designed to verify your identity as the property owner or authorized agent.

Steps to Register Opt-Out Preferences:

1. Locate the “Privacy Preferences” section on the official Cook County Assessor website.
2. Log in or verify your identity as the property owner using your Property Index Number (PIN).
3. Select the specific types of non-essential communications you wish to stop receiving (e.g., voluntary surveys).
4. Submit the request and receive a confirmation of the change in preference.

The office processes these requests within a reasonable timeframe, typically within ten to fifteen business days. We maintain a record of all opt-out requests to ensure compliance with your stated preferences.

Sharing & Third-Party Services

The Cook County Assessor’s Office shares data only when legally required or when necessary to fulfill a mandated public function. Data sharing is strictly controlled and documented. This adherence to strict sharing rules is central to maintaining Cook County property appraisal confidentiality rules.

We do not sell personal data to private companies for marketing or commercial use. Any sharing with external entities, including other government bodies or vendors, requires a formal legal agreement that mandates strict security and privacy standards.

When and Why We Share Information

Data sharing often occurs with other government agencies to ensure coordinated and efficient public service. This sharing is done under official intergovernmental agreements that specify security protocols. The most common sharing is with other tax-related bodies.

For example, the Assessor’s Office shares the final assessed value with the Cook County Clerk’s Office, which calculates tax rates, and the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, which handles tax collection and billing. This transfer is necessary to complete the property tax cycle.

Entities Receiving Shared Data:

All sharing is subject to the rules of the Cook County public records privacy policy, ensuring that only legally permissible data is released. This process maintains real estate records confidentiality Cook County standards while supporting government operation.

Third-Party Tools and Services

The office uses certain third-party services to support its website and digital operations. These services might handle some technical data on our behalf, such as website analytics or cloud hosting. Any vendor used must comply with our strict security and privacy standards.

For instance, we use web analytics services to track anonymous user behavior on the website, helping us improve the user interface. These tools do not collect personal identifying information like names or addresses. We choose vendors who demonstrate a commitment to data security and sign agreements that restrict their use of our data.

Vendor Data Handling Requirements:

• The third party must agree not to use the office’s data for their own marketing or commercial purposes.
• The vendor must implement security measures equal to or exceeding the office’s own standards.
• Any data handled by the vendor must be returned or securely destroyed upon termination of the contract.
• The vendor must report any suspected data security incidents immediately to the Assessor’s Office security team.

This stringent vetting process ensures that our use of external technology does not compromise the security or property information privacy Cook County residents rely upon. It is a critical part of the overall data handling policy Cook County property office maintains.

Your Rights & Data Control Options

Property owners and users of the Assessor’s services have specific rights regarding their personal data held by the office. These rights are protected by state law and are fully supported by the Cook County appraisal services privacy protocols. We believe in providing clear mechanisms for individuals to control their information.

These rights include the ability to request access to your personal data and, in certain circumstances, request corrections or deletions. Knowing these options empowers you to ensure the accuracy and security of your property-related files.

Requesting Data Access or Deletion

You have the right to request a copy of the non-public personal data the Assessor’s Office holds about you. This access request is subject to verification of your identity to prevent unauthorized disclosure. The office must confirm you are the property owner or a legally authorized representative.

Requests for deletion of data are handled carefully, as the office has a legal mandate to retain certain records for specific periods (e.g., assessment records, appeal documents). We can delete non-mandated data, such as old, non-essential contact preferences, but legally required assessment history must be retained.

Data Access/Deletion Request Procedure:

1. Submit a formal written request, clearly stating your name, PIN, and the data you seek or wish to delete.
2. Provide official identification documents to verify your status as the property owner or agent.
3. The office reviews the request against state record retention laws.
4. You receive a response detailing which data can be released or deleted and which must be retained.

We aim to process all valid requests within forty-five calendar days of receiving the necessary verification documents. This ensures compliance with transparency principles.

Updating Your Personal Information

Maintaining accurate personal information is vital for receiving official notices and ensuring correct property tax exemptions. The office encourages property owners to update their mailing addresses and contact details promptly when they change.

Incorrect contact details could lead to missed notices about assessment changes or appeal deadlines. You can update your information through the official online portal or by submitting a signed change of address form to the office. This supports the goal of accurate public records and robust Cook County assessor office data protection.

Information that Should Be Kept Current:

• Official mailing address for tax bills and assessment notices.
• Current contact phone number.
• Email address used for optional electronic notifications.
• Name changes due to marriage or legal action (requires supporting documentation).

Making these updates helps prevent misdirected communication and ensures the integrity of the public record. It is a shared responsibility between the property owner and the office to maintain data accuracy.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

The digital and legal environments that govern data security change over time. Therefore, the Cook County Assessor’s Office reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will reflect new legal requirements or improvements in our data security practices. Transparency about changes is a commitment of the privacy statement Cook County property appraiser presents.

We encourage users to review this document regularly to remain informed about how we protect their property data. Our commitment to Cook County real estate data protection remains constant, even as the specific details of our policy may evolve.

Notification of Updates

When significant changes occur, we take steps to notify the public. For material changes that affect how non-public data is handled, we will post a prominent notice on the Assessor’s Office official website homepage for a minimum of thirty days. This ensures users are aware of new terms.

Minor, non-substantive changes, such as grammatical fixes or clarifying examples, may be made without a separate public announcement. The most reliable way to check for updates is to look at the date of the last revision listed at the end of the document.

Date of Last Revision

The effective date below confirms when this version of the Privacy Policy was last reviewed and implemented. This date serves as the official reference point for the current policy standards.

Date of Last Revision: January 1, 2026

Any interaction with the Assessor’s Office systems or submission of data after this date indicates acceptance of the terms outlined in this current policy document. We ensure that this date is always visible to confirm the timeliness of the document.

Contact Us for Privacy Concerns

We take every privacy concern seriously. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the security of your property data, or the Cook County property database privacy practices, please contact the Assessor’s Office directly. We maintain dedicated personnel to address data protection inquiries.

Reporting a concern or asking a question is simple and direct. We encourage you to use the official contact methods listed below to ensure your inquiry is routed to the correct department for a prompt and accurate response. Your feedback helps us maintain the highest standards of property data privacy Cook County residents deserve.

How to Reach the Cook County Property Appraiser

The Cook County Assessor’s Office is committed to being accessible for all privacy and data protection matters. Please use the official contact details to submit formal inquiries, requests for access, or concerns about data handling.

Official Contact Information:

• Official Website: CookCountyAssessor.com
• Main Office Phone: (312) 443-7550
• Privacy Policy Email Contact: Privacy@CookCountyAssessor.com
• Mailing Address: Cook County Assessor’s Office, 118 N. Clark St., Room 320, Chicago, IL 60602

Office Visiting Hours (Central Time):

Please call ahead to confirm hours, especially around major holidays or during periods of high public appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cook County Assessor’s Office takes seriously its promise to protect user data. This section answers common questions about the office’s data policies. It explains how the office handles sensitive property data. Users gain clarity on their rights and the limits of public disclosure. Knowing the Cook County real estate data protection rules helps property owners feel secure. This commitment supports transparency while protecting privacy.

What does the Privacy Policy say about publishing property details?

The Privacy Policy addresses the balance between public access and property data privacy Cook County seeks to maintain. State law requires the Assessor to make property details public. This includes items like the property address, size, and assessed value. Yet, the policy limits the release of personal contact details. For example, the office does not typically publish the owner’s private phone number or email address on the public website. The office applies its data handling policy Cook County property office procedures to protect non-public details. This helps ensure real estate records confidentiality Cook County residents expect.

How does the Cook County Assessor protect my personal information policy details?

The Cook County Assessor protects personal details by separating them from public property data. The office follows strict data privacy guidelines Cook County property office procedures require. Private data includes items that identify you, such as your social security number or bank account numbers. The office uses security measures to guard this sensitive data against misuse. When you file an appeal or exemption, the Cook County personal information policy dictates limited internal access. This system prevents unauthorized viewing and keeps your private data secure.

Can I request the removal of my Cook County property tax data privacy details?

You cannot typically request removal of property tax data because it is a public record by law. The office must make assessment values and ownership public to ensure fair taxation. However, the Cook County appraisal office privacy notice does allow for specific exceptions. For instance, if you are a police officer or judge, you may qualify for special confidentiality. You must contact the Assessor’s Office directly to learn about the process and required forms. This is the only way to seek an exemption from the standard Cook County property records confidentiality rules.

What types of property data privacy Cook County collects and displays publicly?

The office collects and displays property characteristics used to figure out the tax value. This includes the property’s square footage, age, and construction type. The property information privacy Cook County rules govern what appears on the website. The public can view the Property Index Number (PIN), the assessed value, and the legal description. The office does not display private financial details or specific sales contract information. The privacy practices Cook County assessor follows ensure only legally required data is shown to the public.

Does the Cook County appraisal office privacy notice apply to public records?

Yes, the Cook County appraisal office privacy notice applies to all data, even public records. The notice explains how the office manages all data, whether public or private. For public records, the notice clarifies what parts of the record are made available. It also describes the office’s efforts to keep that public data current and correct. For example, it explains the process for correcting a mailing address, which is a key part of property information privacy Cook County residents use. The Cook County public records privacy policy ensures consistent data handling for everyone.

What is the data handling policy Cook County property office follows for web use?

The data handling policy Cook County property office follows for its website is simple. The office collects basic web usage data, such as which pages you visit and the type of browser you use. This non-personal data helps improve the website’s function. The office does not use cookies to track personal details or your activity on other sites. If you use the site to file an appeal, your session data is protected. This practice aligns with the privacy statement Cook County property appraiser uses to build user trust.