Feigenholtz Encourages Seniors to Apply for Property Tax Exemptions

CHICAGO, Ill. – In order to help local seniors save money on their property tax bills, state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, is reminding seniors that they can now apply for two property tax exemptions from the Cook County Assessor’s office:  the Senior Citizen Exemption and the Senior Freeze Exemption. Senior Exemption applications for 2013 property taxes were recently mailed to residential property owners, and are due back Wednesday, February 5, 2014.

“For seniors who live on a fixed income, the tax relief provided by the Senior Citizen Exemption and Senior Freeze is critical,” Feigenholtz said. “Seniors need to reapply annually for the Senior Exemption, so it’s important to take advantage of these resources while they are available.”

To qualify for the Senior Citizen Exemption for the taxable year 2013, the property owner must have: been born prior to or in the year 1948, owned the property, or have a lease or contract which makes them responsible for real estate taxes, and used the property as a principle place of residence. To download the application, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/forms/HoHS.pdf.

To qualify for the Senior Freeze Exemption for the taxable year 2013, the property owner must have: been born prior to or in the year 1948, a total household income of $55,000 or less for income tax year 2012, owned the property or had legal, equitable or leasehold interest in the property on January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2013, used the property as a principle place of residence as of January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2013, and been liable for the payment of 2012 and 2013 property taxes. To download the application, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/forms/SRFrz.pdf.

All exemption savings will appear as deductions on second-installment property tax bills that will be mailed this summer. Eligible seniors may contact the Cook County Assessor’s Office at 312-443-7550 or visit www.CookCountyAssessor.com.

Feigenholtz will also be helping local seniors save money at a Utility Bill Savings Clinic with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Monday, February 3 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Merlo Branch of the Chicago Public Library, located at 644 W. Belmont in Lakeview. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information on senior tax exemptions and Rep Feigenholtz’s upcoming events, please contact Rep. Feigenholtz constituent service office at 773-296-4141, email sara@staterepsara.com, or visit www.staterepsara.com.