Jefferson Park Senior’s Property Tax Crisis Resolved

A senior resident in Jefferson Park was taken aback when she noticed her home’s valuation had surged by $200,000, accompanied by a $4,300 tax bill. However, an investigation by NBC 5 Responds revealed that she wasn’t actually required to pay this amount.

The county informed Claire Burke that her property’s worth had risen significantly over the past year, despite no renovations being made to her home.

NBC 5 Responds shed light on a Cook County program that could help homeowners in similar situations reduce their tax burdens.

“I loved everything about it. It was the first house I had seen,” Claire recalled fondly.

A nostalgic black-and-white photo captures a joyful moment from the past, featuring Claire and Vance Burke, which was taken in the early 1970s around the time they settled into their Jefferson Park residence.

They lived together there until Vance passed away in 2017. Now, Claire, who is retired and has no children, relies on her Social Security benefits.

“I have to pay the bills,” Claire remarked, also noting that she uses her limited funds to care for two special needs cats and several stray cats nearby.

With no extra money to spare, the news of her home being reassessed in 2024, resulting in that $200,000 increase and hefty tax bill, left her feeling overwhelmed.

This was a stark contrast to her tax liabilities from the previous year, which had been $0.

“I feel like I’m going to be paying this off for the rest of my life,” Burke expressed.

Despite this alarming rise, Claire’s tax bill shouldn’t have been affected due to several programs she’s eligible for.

For instance, the Senior Real Estate Tax Deferment Program allows homeowners over 65 to defer up to $7,500 in taxes.

“The tax deferral is meant for seniors who may not have children to inherit their home,” Claire explained. “It acts like a lien on the property, and if it’s sold or transferred, the taxes must be cleared.” She’s also enrolled in the Freeze exemption aimed at low-income seniors, which guards her against major increases in home appraisals.

So, what led to that $4,000 debt?

After contacting the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, Claire was informed repeatedly that she owed $4,300.

“It means cutting back on meals and making do with less,” Burke said, reflecting on her situation.

Desperate for assistance, she reached out to the Chicago Bar Association to find a pro bono attorney. She got connected with Glenn Gutman, who then contacted NBC 5 Responds.

“I reached out to Channel 5 because Claire’s circumstances seemed dire,” Gutman stated.

Why Wasn’t the Elderly Deduction Applied?

After a thorough review, NBC 5 Responds confirmed that Claire does not have to pay her taxes.

The Treasury Department mentioned that state funds for the Senior Real Estate Tax Deferment Program are still pending disbursement.

“Once the funds are received, [Burke’s] delinquent notices can be removed,” they added, anticipating this correction in the coming weeks.

The good news is that if you’re part of the Advanced Tax Deferment Program and see a delinquency notice, it might be resolved quickly.

Claire is relieved to know she won’t be overwhelmed by bills she can’t manage.

Gutman encourages homeowners to appeal their property assessments as soon as they receive notification, as the appeals period often closes before tax bills arrive.

Though it might seem odd to dispute a bill not yet received, he believes it’s crucial to avoid substantial property tax spikes.

“The key is to act quickly when you get the reassessment letter. Reach out to the bar association, hire an attorney, or contact the appraiser’s office. It’s vital to gather information to determine if your property is being inaccurately valued,” Gutman advised.

How to Challenge a Cook County Real Estate Assessment

Deadlines for appealing Cook County property taxes can vary by municipality, with the main cutoff on February 3 for several areas including Lake and Schaumburg.

Homeowners can find information on filing appeals through the Cook County Assessor’s separate offices.

Senior Property Tax Program

The deadline to apply for the Senior Real Estate Tax Deferment Program for the 2025 tax year is March 1. To qualify, participants must be:

• At least 65 years old as of June 1 of the application year.
• Have a household income of $75,000 or less.
• A surviving spouse of a previously approved applicant who is at least 55 and applies within six months of the taxpayer’s passing.
• Have owned and lived in the home for at least three years.
• Obtained fire or non-life insurance exceeding the deferral tax amount.
• Have no outstanding property taxes or special assessments.
• Be a spouse, if filing jointly, or have approval from a trustee for assets in a qualified trust.

The valuation freeze exemption can also alleviate tax pressures for low-income seniors. To be eligible, applicants need to be at least 65 and meet specific income criteria:

• Household income must be $75,000 or less for tax year 2026.
• Income must be $77,000 or less for tax year 2027.
• Income must be $79,000 or less starting in tax year 2028.

The low-income senior valuation freeze exempt program “freezes” property values for qualifying seniors, preventing increases unless certain conditions change.

This exemption must be reapplied for each year to maintain eligibility.

Finally, there’s also the Elderly Homestead Exemption, which requires annual applications with the Cook County Assessor’s Office.