Cut Your Property Taxes

Yesterday's Chicago Tribune ran this story about a special window later this month in which property owners can appeal their assessments. My block was reassessed two years ago (if memory serves) and I fought it then. When I got my bill recently it looked OK to me, not like a crazy increase, but I may double-check since we have an opportunity and home prices are falling here.

"According to data provided by the Chicago Association of Realtors in the last two years, the sales prices of single-family homes in the Englewood community have decreased by 13 percent or more, in the Belmont-Cragin area by 6 percent or more," Mayor Daley said at a press conference Wednesday.

The realtor data shows the largest declines in the city, 2 percent or more, in Englewood, New City (our neighborhood) and others: Belmont-Cragin, West Englewood,
Chicago Lawn; Auburn Gresham; West Pullman; Roseland; South Chicago; Garfield Ridge; Dunning; Calumet Heights; Gage Park; South Shore; Norwood Park; and Portage Park.

The special appeal period is from March 17-31. If you think your assessment is inaccurate, you can call 311 and someone from City Hall will get back to you. Or go straight to the Cook County Board of Review for an application.