Please join Alderman Helen Shiller and Commissioner Joseph Berrios from the Cook County Board of Review for a Tax Appeal Meeting and Workshop.

WHEN: Thursday, November 29th from 7 – 9pm

WHERE: Gill Park, 825 W Sheridan, 3rd Floor

Representatives will be on hand to assist you with paperwork and completing the necessary documents.

You MUST bring the following:

• Your last tax bill or letter from the Cook County Assessor's Office
• Your Property Index Number (PIN)
• A pen

This event is sponsored by 46th Ward Alderman Helen Shiller, 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney, and the Cook County Board of Review.

In addition, property owners should be aware that although the City of Chicago was successful in renewing the 7 percent cap in Springfield, some homeowners still saw significant increases in their property tax bills.  

The following are the most likely reasons for these increases:

Loss Of Exemption

• Loss of Senior Freeze Exemption: The senior did not reapply for the exemption.  The application is required annually.  A Certificate of Error must be filed and a new tax bill will be issued.
  
• Loss of Senior Exemption or Homeowner Exemption: The property was either sold or refinanced, causing a discontinuation of the exemption.   A Certificate of Error must be filed and a new tax bill will be issued

No Exemption

• Property was sold: A change in ownership will result in a lowering or reduction of the Homeowner Exemption.  The change in the exemption is dependent on what year the property changed ownership.
• Property is not Owner-Occupied: Rental properties are not covered by the 7 percent cap.  Only properties that are owner-occupied are covered, which mean that the owner must reside in the home.

Tax Bill Increased More Than 7 Percent

• The legislation that was passed in Springfield limited the Homeowner Exemption to $40,000 annually.  However, the 2006 reassessment increased the values of some homes by significantly more than the $40,000, causing an increase in the tax bill by more than 7 percent.