Alderman O'Connor » Tax Relief Programs

Earned Income Tax Credit

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:08:40 +0000

During these tough economic times, Mayor Richard M. Daley encourages you to get all the tax relief you deserve. You or someone you know could be eligible for a tax refund!

Owe less tax and get cash back from the IRS through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Even if you don’t owe income tax, you can get the credit and cash!

Does your family earn up to $40,463 with one child? You may get $3,043.
Does your family earn up to $45,295 with two children? You may get up to $5,028 back.
Does your family earn up to $48,279 with three or more children? You may get up to $5,657 back.
Are you at least age 25 and under age 65, without children, and earning up to $18,440?
You may get up to $457 back.
Investment income cannot be more than $3,100 for the year.

If you have further questions about this program, please contact Myer Blank, Executive Director of the Chicago Tax Assistance Center, 312-744-1000.

Property Tax Relief Program – How to Apply

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:30:49 +0000

How do I get started?

1. Fill out an application form.
2. Provide additional documents to verify information.

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:

Driver’s License
State ID Card

3. Submit application via mail or at a City drop-off location.

MAIL: Applications are being accepted by mail at:
Property Tax Relief Program
c/o Chicago Tax Assistance Center
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60602

DROP-OFF: Applications can also be dropped off at one of the City’s
Revenue Sites between 8 AM – 6:30 PM (M-F):
2550 W. Addison St.
4770 S. Kedzie Ave.
2006 E. 95th St.

The application deadline is March 31, 2010. Only one check will be given per homeowner and property.

For questions, please contact:
Chicago Tax Assistance Center
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 744-1000
ctac@cityofchicago.org

Property Tax Relief Program Application Form

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:04:48 +0000

Mayor Daley understands that many Chicago homeowners are struggling through the worst economy we have experienced since the Great Depression.

The City of Chicago Property Tax Relief Program, is aimed toward helping homeowners with increases in their 2008 property tax bills for their primary residences. Homeowners may be eligible for up to a $200 property tax relief grant based on the size of their tax bill increases and their personal incomes.

Only one grant will be given per resident and per property. In order to receive a grant, a homeowner must:

Live in the residence for which the grant is being claimed; and
Must also be eligible for and receive the Homeowner Exemption from the Cook County Assessor’s Office.

Download the Property Tax Relief Program Manual Application Instructions.

Property Tax Relief Program – FAQ

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:56:23 +0000

Q: Who is eligible for the program?
A: Homeowners who have a principal residence is in the City of Chicago and who make $200,000 a year or less and have seen an increase in their 2008 property tax bill. Only one check will be given per homeowner and per property.

Q: How do I know if I qualify?
A: The amount of tax relief you might receive is based on a combination of income level and the amount of your property tax increase.

To see if you qualify, calculate your property tax increase from tax year 2007 to tax year 2008. If the increase is more than $50 and your income is less than $200,000 you may be eligible. The lower your income and the higher your property tax increase, the more relief you’ll be eligible for.

Use the Chicago Property Tax Relief Program Calculator to calculate the amount for which you may be eligible.

Any applicant with dept amounts owed to the City of Chicago is not eligible for The City of Chicago Property Relief Program.

Q: Why do I have to apply for this program?
A: In order to qualify, homeowners must apply for it because the program is tied to the homeowner’s income. The City does not have that information unless the homeowner provides it.

Q: How soon will I receive a check?
A: Within six to eight weeks upon submitting your application.

Q: What will the checks look like?
A: They will come in the form of Chase Visa Check Card and will be mailed to the homeowner’s mailing address.

Q: How much relief should I expect?
A: We estimate that through this program, we’ll be able to give a check for those who qualify ranging from $25 to $200. The average check will be about $150.
Click here to use the Chicago Property Tax Relief Program Calculator to calculate the amount for which you may be eligible.

Q: What kinds of additional documents to I need to provide with my application?
A: 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:
Driver’s License
State ID Card

Q: Where can I submit my application?
A: Applications are being accepted by mail or at City drop-off locations.
MAIL: Applications are being accepted by mail at:
Property Tax Relief Program
c/o Chicago Tax Assistance Center
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60602

DROP-OFF: Applications can also be dropped off at one of the City’s
Revenue Sites between 8 AM – 6:30 PM (M-F):
2550 W. Addison St.
4770 S. Kedzie Ave.
2006 E. 95th St.
-and-
8 AM – 4:30 PM (M-F)
8 AM – 3:30 PM. (Sat)
400 W. Superior

Q: Can I wait and apply this relief program to my January property tax bill?
A: Yes, although the relief checks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to get your application in as quickly as possible.

Q: I don’t have a copy of my property tax bill. Where can I get one?
A: Please contact:
Chicago Tax Assistance Center
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 100
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 744-1000
ctac@cityofchicago.org

Property Tax Relief Program

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:55:58 +0000

Dear Homeowner, As you know, we are currently experiencing the worst economic global recession since the Great Depression 70 years ago. I’m very concerned that too many people here in Chicago are struggling to make ends meet and keep their homes.

During these tough times, we are doing all we can to protect Chicago’s working and middle-class families, our seniors and other residents.

New higher city property taxes are the last thing we should be asking homeowners to pay next year.

Homeowners need property tax relief, and they need it now.

That’s why I recently proposed and the City Council passed, the City of Chicago’s Property Tax Relief Program.

It is meant to provide relief between $25 and $200 to City homeowners hit hardest by increases to their 2008 property tax bill for their primary residence. This program is needed largely because of the phase-out of the state law that put a 7 percent cap on the annual increase in the taxable value of home property, and because the drop of this year’s exemption under that law went to $20,000 from $26,000.

The amount of tax relief you might receive is based on a combination of income level and the amount of your property tax increase. For example, the lower your income and the higher your property tax increase, the more relief you’ll be eligible for.

On this website, you will be able to find an application, instructions and helpful tools to guide you through the application process.

Chicago’s working families are the heart and soul of our city. We hope the Property Tax Relief Program will provide you with some assistance during these tough times.