Kotowski Provides Property Tax Relief
Park Ridge, Illinois – On Thursday, March 18th, State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Brendan Houlihan will be holding a seminar on how residents can appeal their property tax assessments.
“I want to ensure that in these times of economic uncertainty, my friends and neighbors can stay in their homes,” Kotowski said. “Owning a home is the American dream. We can’t let high property taxes take that dream away from people.”
In 2007, Kotowski passed a law to keep in place Cook County’s seven percent property tax assessment cap. This year he is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 3171, which provides an income tax deduction for individuals with grossly overpriced homes.
Because property values are at a historic low, Commissioner Brendan Houlihan is organizing taxpayer appeal seminars throughout Cook County. These seminars are opportunities for individual homeowners to seek relief in their property taxes due to a depressed market, and over valuations to their homes.
“I will not stand by as my neighbors are being taxed out of their homes. The Board of Review is an option where people can find serious relief,” Houlihan said.
Seminar attendees are asked to bring their property tax bills. There will be a short presentation about the appeal process, and staff from the Board of Review will be on hand to answer questions, and help fill out appeal forms. Everyone who files a timely completed appeal form will be considered for a property tax value re-assessment from the Board of Review.
The seminar will take place at 7 P.M. on Thursday March 18th at Senator Kotowski’s District Office, 1300 W Higgins Road Suite 210, in Park Ridge. Anyone with questions should contact Commissioner Brendan Houlihan’s office at (312) 603-3644. The Board of Review considers appeals on a township basis. Maine Township is open for appeals until March 29th. For more information please go to www.CookCountyBoardofReview.com.
“Home prices have dropped this year, and many people are being asked to pay too much in property taxes,” Kotowski said. “Please come to the seminar or contact the Board of Review. They will help you determine if you are eligible for property tax relief.”
