City Aids In Property And Income Tax Assistance

Thelma Sardin |

On Monday, the City of Chicago announced its ongoing efforts to help homeowners and families through tax assistance programs. Chicago homeowners are encouraged to seek help with their property taxes through the Chicago Tax Assistance Center (CTAC). The CTAC provides assistance to property taxpayers in filing property tax exemptions and appeals. According to the news release, exemption filings for seniors are crucial; it ensures taxpayers receive accurate tax bills for fall 2011.

Due to recent changes in the law, seniors must now re-apply for their property tax exemptions every year.

Peter Scales of the citys Office of Budget and Management says the tax exemptions for senior citizens are important. If a senior does not apply for his or her exemptions, (specifically the Senior Freeze Exemption)-- his or her tax bill may increase by thousands of dollars in the fall, Scales said.

The news release also stated that property owners are encouraged to appeal their homes property values should they think the homes are overvalued for tax purposes. Residents may call 311, the citys non-emergency number, to learn more and receive assistance.

During these tough economic times, we must do all we can to protect Chicago's middle-class and working families, said CTAC Executive Director Myer Blank. The Chicago Tax Assistance Center is here to help.

Scales elaborated on how the CTAC can be beneficial for working families.

The Chicago Tax Assistance Center helps homeowners with tax appeals, exemption forms, and free income tax services. In terms of property taxes, exemptions and appeals can save homeowners thousands of dollars. For middle- and working-class homeowners, that savings can be very significant. The free income tax service saves taxpayers the cost of going to a for-profit preparer, he said.

In addition, families earning less than $50,000 and individuals earning less than $25,000 are encouraged to get their income taxes done for free. Through April 18, 2011, residents may visit 26 locations throughout the city. Many locations have weekday evening hours and are open on Saturdays.

Of the 26 city sites, the closest for Chatham residents is the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Av. For more information about the centers hours of operation, please log on to www.cityofchicago.org/CTAC.

Residents should bring the following items to file their income taxes: currentW2 and 1099 forms, Social Security cards for all members of the household, a copy of their last recent tax return and photo identification.

The federal tax deadline for 2011 is April 18th instead of April 15th because of a District of Columbia holiday. According to IRS.gov, this gives taxpayers an extra weekend to file their taxes.

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