Officials Urge Seniors to File for Property Tax Breaks

Senior citizens in Cook County who are eligible for property tax exemptions have until Wednesday, Feb. 6, to file the proper paperwork to receive their tax break, according to a mailing sent out by the Cook County Assessor's Office.

The law for senior renewal of these two tax breaks was changed in 2011, forcing seniors to refile for the breaks every year. Prior to the change, seniors only filled out the form once they turned 65 and the breaks were renewed annually, when applicable. 

Residents 65 years old or older should have received an informational mailing in early January, but those just turning 65 may not have gotten them yet, according to an e-mail from the office. 

Those individuals are encouraged to drop by a local government office to pick up the forms and information necessary to receive the senior benefits. The forms are also available online.

The applications are for 2012 property taxes, which are to be paid in 2013. The savings will be shown on the second installment of tax bills set to be mailed in July of this year.

All homeowners born before 1947 are eligible for the Senior Exemption, regardless of income, which reduces property taxes by about $330. Some homeowners born before 1947 will also be eligible for a second tax break, the Senior Freeze.

The Senior Freeze is available for any senior citizen who's lived in and owned their home since Jan. 1, 2011 and has a combined household income of less that $55,000.

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