Property Taxes Too High? Free Workshop Monday Will Help You Find Ways to Lower Them

With property tax bills arriving in Elmhurst residents' mailboxes last week, many are considering appealing their taxes but aren't quite how to go about it.

State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Elmhurst) will host a property tax appeal workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 6, in Glendale Heights.

“One of the issues I hear about the most from local residents is the extraordinarily high property taxes in our area,” Conroy said in a prepared statement. “Home values have dropped or remained steady, yet somehow our property tax bills increase every year. Families simply cannot afford it.”
 
The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Glendale Heights Senior Center, 260 Civic Centre Plaza.

Bloomingdale Township Assessor John Babrowski and representatives from the York Township Assessors office will explain how property tax rates are calculated. Residents will also learn how to reduce their tax burden through the appeals process and by applying for eligible exemptions.
 
“I want to make sure homeowners are aware of all of the options that are available to them to help them lower their bills and keep more of the hard-earned dollars,” Conroy said. “Residents may find that appealing their bill is the best option, or that they’ve been missing out on a tax break they are eligible for. In this economy, every penny counts.”
 
Conroy recently sponsored Senate Bill 1894, which was signed by Gov. Pat Quinn. The measure increases the amount of the general and senior homestead exemptions, lowers the taxable value of property and reduces the amount homeowners pay on their property taxes.
 
The first installment of DuPage County property tax bills are due by Tuesday, June 4, 2013. Residents may begin to file an appeal with the DuPage County Board of Review as early as Monday, June 10, 2013.
 
For more information, contact Conroy’s constituent services office at (630) 415-3520 or RepDebConroy@gmail.com.