Thousands of Cook County homeowners are set to receive a surprise holiday windfall, as Treasurer Maria Pappas announced that over $30.5 million in property tax refunds will be distributed automatically, per the report from NBC Chicago. These refunds, stemming from overpayments on last year's first installment taxes, are slated to benefit around 9,000 property owners across the county.

Property owners do not need to navigate the hassle of paperwork or submit applications to get their hands on the refunds—most will see the money land in their accounts or mailboxes automatically; it's a "huge convenience for homeowners who have overpaid their property taxes," Pappas was quoted in WGN-TV's coverage. Direct deposits will be made over three months for about 48% of eligible recipients, with Pappas' office orchestrating the move to swiftly return funds due to the taxpayers.

Approximately $13.1 million of this refund pool will electronically buoy the bank accounts of around 1,900 homeowners who completed their taxes online, all without the need for additional steps or red tape. Checks worth a total of $8 million are in the mail for nearly 4,000 homeowners who made payments through bank or mortgage escrow, and the remaining refunds will cater to those who initially covered their taxes with cash or check.

The treasurer's office spelled out the details: homeowners eligible for a range of property tax exemptions, such as Senior Citizens, Senior Freeze, or Disabled Persons, stand to benefit the most from this round of refunds due to the exemptions being factored in after these proprietors settled their First Installment bill. The process for checking eligibility is straightforward, the Cook County Treasurer's website serves as a one-stop-shop for taxpayers hoping to verify whether they're in line for a cashback — they simply need to select the "Your Property Tax Overview" option and plug in their home address or Property Index Number as per guidance shared by NBC Chicago.

The current round of refunds, just in time for the holiday season, will undoubtedly bring cheer to many residents amidst the backdrop of broader economic challenges.