Illinois Code § 21-440

§ 21-440.

Action for collection of taxes and special assessments. The county board may, at any time after final judgment and order of sale against delinquent property under Section 21-180, institute a civil action in the name of the People of the State of Illinois in the circuit court for the whole amount due for taxes and special assessments on the delinquent or forfeited property. Any county, city, village, incorporated town, school district or other municipal corporation to which any tax or special assessment is due, may, at any time after final judgment under Section 21-180, institute a civil action in its own name, in the circuit court, for the amount of the tax or special assessment due to it on the delinquent or forfeited property, and prosecute the same to final judgment. On the sale of any property following judgment in the civil action, the county, city, village, incorporated town, school district or other municipal corporation, interested in the collection of the tax, may become purchaser at the sale. If the property so sold is not redeemed the purchaser may acquire, hold, sell or dispose of the title thereto, the same as individuals may do under the laws of this State. In any action for delinquent or forfeited taxes, the fact that property was assessed to a person shall be prima facie evidence that the person was the owner thereof, and was liable for the taxes for the year or years for which the assessment was made. That fact may be proved by the introduction in evidence of the proper assessment book or roll, or other competent proof. Any judgment rendered for delinquent or forfeited general taxes under this Section shall include the costs of the action and reasonable attorney's fees. (Source: P.A. 86-949; 88-455.)