Modernizing and Increasing Compliance and Enforcement of the Tobacco Tax in Cook County

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

In March of 2013, the Cook County Department of Revenue (CCDOR) hit the street with its newly minted tobacco investigation system (TIS), a web-based mobile solution specifically designed for its tobacco investigators. In addition to creating critical reports digitally, this new tool allows investigators and administrators the capability to access real time investigations data, automatically send citations to the County’s in-house Administrative Hearing court and check for counterfeit County cigarette stamps. TIS also integrated multiple databases, including the County’s Tip reward website and the comprehensive Illinois Business Tax license list. As a result, this system helped streamline revenue flow surrounding citations, eliminated numerous manual processes, reduced redundant paperwork and increased time management nearly overnight. Now a year later, after a successful implementation, TIS is targeted for its first major upgrade in 2014 which will integrate the County’s other home rule taxes and will result in an increase in the overall tax compliance rate within the County.