Dear Neighbor,
Many City of Chicago residents, me included, felt the sting of a significant increase in their property taxes as a result of the phase-out of the state law that had put a seven percent cap on the annual increase in the taxable value of home property. I supported extending the cap, as did our local state legislators, but unfortunately the Illinois General Assembly failed to act.
As a result, I’m doing all that I can to provide property owners with some relief. I recently co-sponsored a workshop on “How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment.” Today, I want to make you aware of another program, which may provide you with some relief.
Last week, the Chicago City Council passed a “Property Tax Relief Program” that will provide a check in the amount of between $25 and $200 to City homeowners hit hardest by increases to their 2008 property tax bill for their primary residence.
The amount of tax relief you might receive is based on a combination your income and the amount of your property tax increase. The lower your income and the higher your property tax increase, the more relief you are eligible to receive. To receive this money, you must complete and submit an application:
Click here to download the application form.
Click here to download the application instructions.
Both the application and the instructions provide a chart to help you determine if you are eligible for relief.
To complete the application, you will need to attach a copy of your current tax bill, as well as a photocopy of a government-issued identification card with a photo that indicates your home address, such as your driver’s license or state ID card.
Submit your application via U.S. mail, or in person at my ward office or a City of Chicago drop-off location.
MAIL: Send your completed application, together with a copy of your tax bill and a photocopy of your government-issued ID, to:
Property Tax Relief Program
c/o Chicago Tax Assistance Center
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60602
DROP-OFF: Drop off your application, together with a copy of your tax bill and a photocopy of your government-issued ID, at my Ward Service Office:
49th Ward Service Office
7356 N. Greenview Ave.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Wednesday)
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday)
You may also drop off your application and supporting documents at the northside office of the City’s Department of Revenue:
City of Chicago Department of Revenue
2550 W. Addison St.
8 a.m. – 6:30 PM (Monday – Friday)
The application deadline is March 31, 2010, or until the money allocated for the program runs out, so get your application in as soon as possible! Only one check will be given per homeowner and property.
For questions, please contact my office by replying to this e-mail or calling 773-338-5796, or contact the Chicago Tax Assistance Center at 312-744-1000, e-mail: ctac@cityofchicago.org.
Sincerely,
Joe Moore