To find out more information and for a list of upcoming recruiting events, please visit http://www.cpfta.com.

Property Tax Assistance

Each year property tax bills are mailed to all homeowners. One could lower his or her bill substantially if one is eligible for one or more exemptions or assistance programs. Be sure to investigate possible savings.

The Chicago Tax Assistance Center (CTAC) is ready to help residents save on property taxes, including helping figure out if residents can claim additional exemptions from previous years and help with appealing property tax assessments.

Earned Income Tax Credit

The City of Chicago helps eligible residents file for the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). With the EITC, you could owe less tax and get cash back from the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Illinois. Even if you don’t owe income tax, you can get the credit and cash. In 2010 the City’s assistance sites returned $35 million in refunds for more than 20,500 families.

A family that earns up to $40,545 with one child, could get up to $3,050 back from the IRS. A family that earns up to $45,373 with two children, could get up to $5,036 back. A family that earns up to $48,362 with three or more children, could get up to $5,666 back. And individuals who are between 25 and 64 years old, earning up to $18,470, and who have no children may get up to $457 back.

Tax Preparation Assistance

Families earning less than $50,000 and individuals earning less than $25,000 can get free tax preparation assistance from professionally trained volunteers. The Center for Economic Progress and the Tax Assistance Program, both Chicago-area non-profit programs, offer the assistance at 26 sites in Chicago and 13 sites outside the city. Residents should bring all current W2 and 1099 forms, Social Security cards for all members of the household, a copy of your last recent tax return, and photo identification.

To get free tax preparation assistance, and assistance filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit, call 311 City Services and ask about locations near you. Outside Chicago, local residents can call 312-409-1555 or 312-630-0273.

Services
Get Information Regarding Special Service Area (SSA) #46
Help with Appealing Property Tax Assessments
Real Property Transfer Tax Refunds for Seniors
Ways to Save on Your Property Taxes

January 3, 2012

Mayor Emanuel Launches ChicagoShovels.org to Bring Chicagoans Together to Participate in Winter-Preparedness Efforts

Mayor’s Press Office 312.744.3334

Download this Press Release

You’ve heard of train trackers and bus trackers. Today, the Mayor announced the launch of a snowplow tracker, part of a new City website focused entirely on snow: ChicagoShovels.org.

From snowplow tracking to shovel sharing, ChicagoShovels.org is designed to help Chicagoans work together in the midst of winter weather as well as keep track of how the City is taking care of its responsibilities in the streets.

“ChicagoShovels.org is an important resource that not only informs Chicagoans about how they can help their neighbors and allows them to see the City’s snow program in action during severe weather,” said Mayor Emanuel at a press conference.

During major snow cleanup efforts, the City will activate the “Plow Tracker” map, allowing the public to see in real-time the progress of City snow plows and make snow removal efforts more transparent.

Just as important is the “Adopt-A-Sidewalk” feature, which allows people to “claim” a sidewalk to shovel near their home or business on an interactive map. Over time, you can see who is shoveling where, connect with neighbors, even share shovels or snowblowers to keep the sidewalks clear.

ChicagoShovels.org brings together City and public resources to provide a platform for residents and businesses to organize and participate in snow removal block by block, right in their own neighborhoods:

• Volunteer Chicago “Snow Corps”: Snow Corps is a new program that connects volunteers with residents that might need a little help getting their sidewalks clean, such as seniors and residents with disabilities. Groups and individuals can volunteer to help those in need by signing up using an online form.
• Adopt-a-Sidewalk Program: This web app will allow neighbors and businesses to connect with each other to help shovel sidewalks and offers a platform for sharing resources. Users “adopt” as sidewalk near their home or business by “claiming” it on an interactive map. Chicagoans will over time be able to see who is shoveling where, and have an option to connect with their neighbors to help keep their sidewalks clear. Users can also “share” various snow items. The ability to share items will be powered by www.OhSoWe.com, a site that facilitates the sharing of resources such as shovels and snow blowers.
• New Winter Readiness Apps: Chicago web and app developers have leveraged the City’s open data to build apps that help the public weather winter storms. 2inch.es informs and alerts drivers of winter parking bans. WasMyCarTowed.com uses the City’s towed and relocated vehicle data to help people locate their vehicles.
• City Resource Links: With just one click, Chicagoans can submit an online 311 request, view press releases, sign up for Notify Chicago alerts, watch educational videos, follow the Mayor’s Office on Twitter, and find answers to questions.

Last winter we saw how people came together to help their neighbors and share resources and information. ChicagoShovels.org is a one-stop shop where people can connect with each other and connect with the City to get the help and information they need for another winter.

Per the City of Chicago’s Parking Meters website:

Rates will change as follows:

• In most areas of the city, representing 82% of the metered parking spaces, rates will be $1.75 per hour.
• In the Central Business District outside the Loop (Area bounded by Lake Michigan to the East, North Avenue to the North, Halsted to the West, and Roosevelt Road to the South, exclusive of the Loop Area), representing approximately 16% of the metered parking spaces, rates will be $3.50 per hour.
• Inside the Loop (Area bounded by Lake Michigan to the East, Wacker Drive to the North and West, and Congress Parkway to the South), representing less than 3% of the metered parking spaces, rates will be $5.75 per hour from 8 AM- 9 PM, $2.85 from 9 PM – 8 AM.

Except for Inside the Loop, payment is not required from 9 PM to 8 AM unless otherwise posted.

Read more online.

Please be aware that the City of Chicago requires all home and business owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to residential and business property.

Take a few moment today to review the City’s regulations, awards for exemplary good-citizenship, and infraction reporting information below.

Download Sidewalk Snow Removal Guidance for Residents and Businesses (1.2mb)

Your responsibility in removing snow and ice from the sidewalks
Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around, and without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk safely. According to the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

Increase awareness of sidewalk snow removal laws
Nominate businesses and organizations for a “Winter Wonder” Award
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Mayor’s Pedestrian Advisory Council (MPAC) would like to recognize businesses and organizations that do an excellent job of clearing their sidewalks of snow and ice.

The public can nominate locations that show excellence in sidewalk snow removal by calling the
Winter Wonder Nomination line at 312.744.3623 or Online using the 2011-2012 Winter Wonder Nomination form.

At the end of the season, nominated businesses and organiztions will receive a letter of recognition, the “Winter Wonder” award, and special mention on the CDOT website

Businesses and organizations can promote their participation in this program by displaying the Winter Wonder Participation Poster.

Download Winter Wonder Participation Poster (pdf, 2.7mb)

Sidewalk Snow Removal Door Hangers
The door hangers are intended as a reminder to shovel the sidewalk and offer assistance to anyone physically unable to clear their own sidewalks. The door hangers emphasize the importance of sidewalk snow removal and safe winter travel.

The door hangers are mailed to aldermanic offices and dozens of businesses and community groups throughout the city, for distribution throughout the neighborhoods.

Download Sidewalk Snow Removal Door Hanger (pdf, 1.3mb)

Report locations that DO NOT clear sidewalks to 311
Report locations that DO NOT clear their sidewalks by making a “Sidewalk Snow Removal” request with
the City of Chicago 311 Service Request Line.

DIAL 311 or Online Sidewalk Snow Removal Request
If calling from outside Chicago, call 312.744.5000

When you make a Sidewalk Snow Removal request, please note the following:

• Make sure the problem occurs on the sidewalk.
• DO NOT use this category to report snow on streets, parking lots, or alleys.
• Provide a specific address where the problem occurs.
• Request a reference number from the operator, this will help you track the status and resolution of your request.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sidewalk Snow Removal

Who is responsible for clearing the snow and ice from sidewalks?
According to the Municipal Code of Chicago, “Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground abutting upon any public way or public space shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk…”

It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the sidewalks are clear of snow and ice. We are all pedestrians and benefit from having a safe, clear, and continuous path to travel.

How long do I have to clear the sidewalks?
If the snow stops falling before 4 p.m. you have three hours to clear except on Sunday.

If the snow stops falling after 4 p.m. or on Sunday, you have to clear before 10 a.m. on the next day.

How much snow do I need to clear to comply with the ordinance?
The Municipal Code of Chicago requires individuals to clear a 5 foot wide path along the sidewalk, where conditions allow.

This width allows pedestrians in wheelchairs, people with children in strollers, students walking to school, and individuals with assistive devices mobility and access.

What is the best way to remove snow from the sidewalk?
- Remove snow and ice along ALL sidewalks adjacent to your property
- Move snow to your yard or the parkway adjecent to your property
- Do not push snow from the sidewalk into the street
- Do not cover the crosswalks with snow
- Do not block alley entrances with snow
- Do not pile snow around fire hydrants

What happens if I don’t clear my sidewalk?
Individuals who do not comply with the sidewalk snow removal ordinance can face fines of $50.

Businesses who do not comply with the sidewalk snow removal ordinance can face fines from $250 to $500 per day of violation.

Please be aware that the City of Chicago is aggressively ticketing trucks that are being parked on residential streets. Truck permits are required for qualifying trucks and are free of charge. Below is a list of items you must have in order to receive a truck permit:

• Proof of state registration
• Proof of current city sticker
• Proof of residency
• Proof that license plate is a “B” Plate
• Proof that truck is under 4,500 lbs.
• Pictures of the truck including a side view as to show no advertisement or ladder racks on the truck; front view with the license plate in clear view; picture of city sticker in the window

The 40th Ward is one of the few wards that allow trucks to be parked on neighborhood streets. Please be informed as to what types of trucks are considered residential and what types are considered commercial by visiting the City Clerk’s website.

Truck Permits are available at our service office, located at 5850 N. Lincoln Avenue. For more information, please call us at 773-769-1140.

Please follow the links below to view a breakdown of the tax increases as well as the implementation dates for the increases:

Cook County FY-2012 Home Rule Tax Changes

Cook County Liquor Tax Conversion Chart

Cook County Home Rule Tax Effective Dates

Please visit the City Clerk’s website for more information regarding how to properly register your dog.

Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer (10th) hears these questions repeatedly. Her office released a Citizens’ Guide to Property Tax Bills to aid homeowners throughout Cook County who recently received their second installment property tax bills in the mail.

The Citizens’ Guide walks homeowners through the step-by-step calculation of their tax bill and also provides information to homeowners on how to appeal their property assessments with the Assessor and Board of Review.

You can download the guide by clicking below:

Citizens_Guide_to_Property_Taxes_Presentation.pdf (905 KB)

For additional informaton on property taxes, assessments and seminars, please visit 10th District Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer’s website.

Most Chicago residents know they are required to display current city stickers on their vehicles. What may be less widely known is that there are specific display requirements for city stickers. This means that many motorists will be required to remove expired stickers purchased in previous years. City law requires that your city sticker be placed on the inside of your vehicle on the lower right hand side of your windshield.

Please be aware that Chicago Police Officers are issuing $120 tickets for this vision impairment offense.

For more information on ways to avoid tickets, please visit the City of Chicago’s Tips for Avoiding Parking Tickets website.