Two Weeks Left to Fix Property Tax Problems

Property tax bills will be sent out at the beginning of May, and if there's inaccurate information about your property on record, now is the time to have it adjusted.

Some changes may mean the property tax bill coming soon to your mailbox could be lowered, but you must document those changes with the assessor’s office by Friday, April 22.   

The Ela township assessor’s office is currently going through Quadrennials.  Every four years, the assessor’s office is required to scrutinize every parcel in the township to ensure all information on file is accurate.

“We have a small window of opportunity right now where we can make a correction that could reduce the property tax bill you receive next month,” said John Barrington, assessor.

There are many details collected by the assessor’s office that can affect the assessed value of your home; they include the number of bathrooms you have, if you have an open foyer or living room but your home is listed as a full two-story or if your basement is documented as a full when it is only a partial. And those are just a few examples.

“It’s a great time for homeowners to verify the information we have on file,” said Barrington.

Also, Senior Freeze applications were mailed out the last week of March, and if you have questions on how to fill out the form, the assessor’s office wants you to know they are available to help. 

The 2011 application is based on the 2010 total household income, which requires incomes of $55,000 or less to qualify for the freeze, said Barrington.

If you did not receive an application, one can be obtained at the assessor’s office.

“If you don’t have your senior homestead exemption, we can also assist you with filing for that,” said Barrington. 

To qualify for the Senior Freeze, senior citizens need to apply every year; the senior exemption is a one-time filing.   

Ela Township residents are encouraged to call the assessor’s office at 847-438-8370, email at jbarrington@lakecountyil.gov or stop by at 1155 E. Route 22 with any questions.

Barrington is also encouraging Ela Township residents to visit Facebook (Ela Township Assessor) or on Twitter (@elaassessor) to get up-to-date information on important deadlines and information that affects the assessed value of your home.