Cook County extends waiver on some fees, defers tax collections

Cook County will waive some fines and fees and defer the collection of some taxes for an additional month in an effort to provide relief to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, county board President Toni Preckwinkle announced Tuesday.

The extension has the potential to put nearly $45 million back in the hands of area businesses, county officials say.

"Extending the period of time to pay these fines, fees and taxes is the right decision while businesses and residents continue to struggle with the economic fallout of the coronavirus," Preckwinkle said. "During these tough times, pushing the deadlines on this economic package will provide additional relief to our businesses as hopefully a little breathing room to cover expenses."

Under the relief package, due dates for home rule taxes like the alcoholic beverage tax, amusement tax, tobacco tax and gasoline and hotel accommodations tax will be pushed back, as will numerous fines and fees under the jurisdictions of the Departments of Transportation and Highways, Environment and Sustainability, Revenue, Building and Zoning and Public Health.