Did You Claim Your Senior Exemption?

If you live in Cook County, your second installment 2010 property taxes were due earlier this week (on Tuesday, November 1).  Hopefully you've already paid the bill.  As a senior, you might have assumed that your senior exemption showed up automatically on your tax bill, as it has in the past.  But beware -- the legislation made some changes last year, and senior exemptions are no longer automatic!  If you are over 65, you should make sure you get the benefit of the senior exemption if you're a homeowner!

The Cook County Assessor's office states that 55,000 seniors did not apply for their exemption this year.  That's a windfall for the county, but a lot of extra money out of each senior citizen's pocket!  If you are eligible for a senior exemption or a senior freeze exemption, you can still apply!  You will have to complete a Certificate of Error and wait for the county to refund you, but it may be well worth your time!

If you qualify for a senior exemption, you automatically receive the homeowner's exemption, so you don't have to apply for it separately.  You should also check to see if you are eligible for any other exemptions, such as the senior freeze, longtime homeowner, veteran, or disability-related exemptions.  Wouldn't it be nice to keep more of your money in your pocket?