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Attorneys practicing in and around the Chicagoland area. Experienced in the practice areas of Real Estate Law, Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Litigation, Business Law, & Estate Law.

Attorneys At Law - Attorneys practicing in and around the Chicagoland area. Experienced in the practice areas of Real Estate Law, Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Litigation, Business Law, & Estate Law.

Lawsuit Filed in Federal Court Challenging Cook County Property Tax Assessments

Cook County SealA rare lawsuit by a group of seven Cook County taxpayers has been filed in Federal Court challenging their property tax assessments by the Cook County Assessors Office.

 

Here is the story below that was originally published by jdsupra.com:

Rare Lawsuit filed in Federal Court Challenging Property Tax Assessments

Last week a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by a group of seven Cook County taxpayers challenging the time it has taken to adjudicate their claims in the Cook County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit is brought, in part, under the Tax Injunction Act, a federal statute allowing a taxpayer to challenge a state or local tax in federal court when the remedy in state court does not provide for a ‘plain, speedy and efficient remedy.

The taxpayers have been contesting their real estate assessments in the Cook County Circuit Court for more than ten years.

For over a decade, they have been arguing in state court that their constitutional rights have been violated by an assessment process that departs from the requirements of the Cook County Classification Ordinance and the Illinois Constitution.

Now, they are alleging in federal court that the Cook County Court has bogged down due in part to the County’s destruction of records and that only the federal courts can provide them with an appropriate remedy.

You can review the complaint by clicking here.

It is highly unusual for a state court property tax dispute to migrate to federal court.

Overwhelmingly the federal courts have declined jurisdiction of state and local tax matters. Only when the state court remedy denies the plaintiff a plain, speedy and efficient remedy will the federal courts consider a case.

We expect that the County defendants will move to dismiss this lawsuit, and if they are successful, the case will continue in the Circuit Court.

The named defendants in this suit are Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and outgoing Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios.

The taxpayers are claiming total damages of more than $27.0 million.

The properties involved are in Bridgeview, Calumet City, Niles, Northbrook, Rolling Meadows, and Rosemont.

Original story via jdsupra.com

 


The Law Offices of Lora Fausett P.C. provides real estate law services including loan modificationsbuying and selling legal assistanceshort sales and deeds in lieumortgage foreclosure defense, and more.

Located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and serving clients in DuPageCookKane, Will, and Kendall Counties.

For Information Call 630-858-0090

 


Illinois Underwater Homes Trap Homeowners in Place

DuPage County Property

Illinois home values in some areas have never fully recovered from the real estate market crash, trapping some homeowners in houses that they are ready to move out of.

 

Trapped in their underwater mortgages

For example, Steinar Andersen of Huntley Illinois is ready to move out of the state. He is a disabled veteran who cannot work because of service-related injury who still owes $187,000 in principle on his home.

“We really should be living in Arizona as it is more “disability friendly” and the property taxes are much less,” he said. He can’t though because he is so far underwater on his home loan.

Another example is Collen Percy and her recently retired husband, currently living in Plainfield.

“We’re stuck,” she said. “We would love to sell and go live in a smaller home so we don’t have the upkeep and tax burden.”

Unfortunately, they are $85,000 underwater on their suburban Plainfield home. They’re concerned that rising property taxes are further eroding their home’s value, pushing the opportunity to sell even further into the future.

Related: High Property Taxes Sending Illinois Homeowners Towards a Cliff 

 

Illinois has the highest rate of underwater homes

Edge of CliffA study of negative equity by real estate site Zillow found that nationwide, less than 10% of homeowners have negative equity in their homes.

In Illinois however, 16.4 percent of homeowners owe more on their mortgage than their home is valued at. Nationally, only the State of Louisiana had a higher rate.

In Chicago, the negative equity rate is at 20%, overtaking Las Vegas as the city with the highest negative equity rate in the nation.

 

Difficulty selling

The combination of negative equity and high property taxes can mean homeowners who want to relocate can’t actually sell their homes.

“It makes it difficult to move for a new job opportunity to relocate elsewhere,” Zillow economist Sarah Mikhitarian said.

The high property tax rates in Illinois serve to help slow or decrease the value of homes.

Related: Illinois Has Second Highest Property Taxes in Nation

Home prices in Illinois, while up since 2013, are still down 10 percent compared with the market peak in 2006, according to data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Illinoisans need reforms to make owning a home more affordable, and staying in or moving to the Land of Lincoln more attractive.

 

 

You may call The Law Offices of Lora Matthews Fausett P.C. with your questions:  630.858.0090


* Advertising Material: To the extent that the information in this post is interpreted as attorney advertising in accordance with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct or within the meaning of state bar rules from all other localities, this statement is made pursuant to those rules.

Specialties: Specialization claims are prohibited by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and we do not claim to be specialists. The content of this e-mail is organized and presented for the sole purpose of general information. None of the included content should be construed as legal advice. Viewing this e-mail or e-mailing the account holder does not create an attorney-client relationship. NOTICE: This page may be considered advertising material.


 

The Law Offices of Lora Fausett P.C. provides real estate law services including loan modificationsbuying and selling legal assistanceshort sales and deeds in lieumortgage foreclosure defense, and more.

Located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and serving clients in DuPageCookKane, Will, and Kendall Counties.

For Information Call 630-858-0090


Model Home Tax Exemption

Model Home Tax


About the Model Home Tax Exemption

Add value when representing the seller of a model home by finding out if they qualify for the Model Home Tax Exemption.

 

This valuable tax exemption applies to Single Family Homes, Townhomes, or Condominiums that are not being occupied as a dwelling, but rather are used as display or demonstration homes for prospective buyers.

The model home need not be vacant – staging, furnishings, and appliances are allowed, as well as offices and office equipment to further sales activities.

Once applied, the model home exemption functions to assess the model home at the same assessed value as the property had prior to construction.

This means huge tax savings for the owner. A property is eligible for this exemption for a maximum of ten years, and an owner is limited to no more than 3 models homes claiming the exemption within a 3-mile radius.

 

Law Offices of Lora Matthews Fausett, P.C.Contact our office for more information, and to see if your client may be able to utilize the model home exemption.

Call (630) 858-0090

 


 

* Advertising Material: To the extent that the information in this post is interpreted as attorney advertising in accordance with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct or within the meaning of state bar rules from all other localities, this statement is made pursuant to those rules.

Specialties: Specialization claims are prohibited by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and we do not claim to be specialists. The content of this e-mail is organized and presented for the sole purpose of general information. None of the included content should be construed as legal advice. Viewing this e-mail or e-mailing the account holder does not create an attorney-client relationship. NOTICE: This page may be considered advertising material.


 

DuPage County Property Tax Due Dates

DuPage County real estate tax deferralDuPage County property taxes must be paid every year by all property owners on the required due dates.

DuPage County property taxes are used to pay for schools, city services, fire departments, park districts, city services, forest preserves and township services.

In 2018, DuPage County property taxes may be paid in two installments.

 

DuPage County Property Tax Due Dates 2018

First installment due date – Due June 1, 2018

Second installment due date – Due August 31, 2018

 

How to Pay DuPage County Property Taxes

Online Payments

The taxpayer may pay their real estate taxes online using a Visa, MasterCard and/or Discover Credit Card through October 26, 2018.

When making your online payment, you will need your 10-digit property index number.  It is printed on the front of your tax bill.

If the bill is not available, the number can be acquired through the DuPage County website’s Property Tax Payment Status page.

You may want to contact DuPage County 630-407-5900 or you may contact your Township Assessor (also located on the front of your tax bill).

Schedule ePay from checking or savings accounts

You may schedule to ePay (electronically pay) your 2017 real estate tax bill on our website for the payment to be automatically withdrawn from your savings or checking account in the amount and date you set.

 

Schedule ePay with credit or debit card

You may schedule to ePay your 2017 real estate tax bill on our website using your Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card for the transaction.

Please be aware that the credit card service provider will charge a 2.10% convenience fee for the transaction.  No portion of that fee is retained by DuPage County.   

DuPage County Treasurers Office

DuPage County Treasurer’s Office 421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187

Make payment in person

You can pay property taxes in person at the DuPage County Treasurer’s Office using cash, check, credit or debit card during normal business hours of Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

DuPage County Treasurer’s Office
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187

For after hours’ payments, drop off your payment in our Drop Box located in the south parking lot of the DuPage County Treasurer’s Office.

 

Make payments at bank

Taxes may be paid at many participating banks in DuPage County through August 31, 2018 (the 2nd installment due date).   View the list of participating banks

 

Payments by mail

Payments and correspondence may be mailed directly to the DuPage County Treasurer’s Office at 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.

 

Make a Wire Transfer

To transfer U.S. funds by wire, contact us at allcollector@dupageco.org for specific instructions.  Please be aware your bank may charge you for this service.

 

DuPage County Property Tax Information

Visit the property tax lookup portal 

This portal leads to the following information for a parcel:

  • Tax bill information plus the ability to pay current year tax bill and print a duplicate tax bill.
  • Tax distribution information – where do your tax dollars go?  Includes links to the taxing bodies.
  • Assessment information, including any reviews or corrections made to assessments.

 

DuPage County property tax exemptions

View Real Estate Tax Exemptions in DuPage County

 

Property tax prepayments

Schedule your property tax payment via ePay

 

Due dates

First installment due date – Due June 1, 2018
Second installment due date – Due August 31, 2018

 

How are DuPage County Property Taxes Distributed?

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin explains how residents’ tax dollars are distributed.

Realted Post: DuPage County Property Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions

 

You may call the law office of Lora Fausett with your questions:  630.858.0090


* Advertising Material: To the extent that the information in this post is interpreted as attorney advertising in accordance with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct or within the meaning of state bar rules from all other localities, this statement is made pursuant to those rules.

Specialties: Specialization claims are prohibited by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and we do not claim to be specialists. The content of this e-mail is organized and presented for the sole purpose of general information. None of the included content should be construed as legal advice. Viewing this e-mail or e-mailing the account holder does not create an attorney-client relationship. NOTICE: This page may be considered advertising material.


 

The Law Offices of Lora Fausett P.C. provides real estate law services including loan modificationsbuying and selling legal assistanceshort sales and deeds in lieumortgage foreclosure defense, and more.

Located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and serving clients in DuPageCookKane, Will, and Kendall Counties.

For Information Call 630-858-0090


How Illinois Property Taxes are Calculated

How Illinois property taxes are calculated and their affect on home values

Illinois homeowners pay the second-highest property taxes in the nation according to real estate data company Attom Data Solutions.

Most people will tell you they think their taxes are too high, and now you have the confirmation. Only residents of New Jersey pay higher property taxes than Illinois, with Vermont, Texas, and New Hampshire not far behind.

Of course, property taxes are essential to maintaining government services such as public schools, water lines, sewers, roads, infrastructure, parks, and libraries.

It’s not out of line though to wonder if they’are worth it.

In this post, we discuss how property taxes affect your return on home ownership and how property taxes are calculated in the state of Illinois. The method of calculation may surprise you.

 

How property taxes affect homeownership returns

  • Property taxes affect home values
  • Property taxes siphon off money that would be spent building equity
  • Second-highest cost of homeownership
  • Home appreciation prices are held in check by property taxes
  • High property taxes don’t see home values rise as quickly

Your property taxes affect home values and take away money that you could potentially spend on home improvements, paying off your mortgage sooner and building equity.

Property taxes are the second-highest cost of homeownership after your mortgage. They are a key indicator of profitability for real estate investors.

Home appreciation prices are held in check by property taxes. This can be both a benefit or a hindrance. In high-tax states, home prices don’t rise as quickly during a housing boom because people have to pay for those higher values through taxes.  On the potential upside, those same markets are somewhat more protected from wild price swings.

 

How property  taxes are assessed

Most people assume that property taxes are based on the assessment of properties.

Your property tax bill actually starts with how much the county, municipality, and taxing districts (school district, park district, library district, etc.) expect to spend.

The various taxing bodies figure out their budget based on the prior year’s budget plus an annual increase. They then figure out home much money they can expect from the state, assess the current taxable value of the property in the districts, and then the county clerk figures out the tax rate.

The county clerk calculates the tax rate based on the amount that the taxing districts are allowed to receive reconciled with the assessed property value.

In other words, taxes are based on how much they expect to spend, based on what they can get.

This can be very confusing because it is the opposite of how income taxes work. With income taxes, the more you make, the more you pay. But when your property value goes down, it doesn’t mean your property taxes go down.

 

Disputing your property tax assessment

If you think you are paying too much in taxes because your own property is not worth as much as the assessor thinks it is, you need to protest the specific assessment.

You will need to provide evidence that your property is not worth as much as the assessor thinks it is. This may include property sizes, home upgrades, location, and other factors.

There is also a time limit as to when you can contest your assessment.  For example, in DuPage County, the period during which an appeal may be filed ends thirty days after the publication of the township assessment roll. This publication date varies, but in DuPage County, it is usually in October.

 

Property tax equalization rate

Most states figure property taxes based on local budgets and assessed values, which translate to a tax rate. It can’t be that easy in Illinois though.

Illinois complicates the tax calculation by applying an “equalization” factor that figures the final tax rate up or down.

According to a 2017 press release from the Illinois Department of Revenue, the department figures out the equalization rate “for each county by comparing the actual selling price of individual properties, over a three-year period, with the assessed value placed on those properties by the county assessor and adjusted by the board of review.” 

State law requires that the total equalized assessed value of all property in Illinois counties equals 33 1/3 percent of the fair market value. The press release goes on to say that “if the median level of assessment for all property in the county varies from the 33 1/3 percent level required by law, an equalization factor is assigned to bring assessments to the legal mandated level.”

Municipalities have the right to accept or reject the equalization factor, which further complicates the issue.

When appealing your property tax bill, you must take into consideration how your own bill was assessed based on the equalization factor.

If you successfully appeal your assessment, your bill might not go down by much, or not at all, depending on how your municipality uses the equalizer.

 

Understanding this system will help you to vote and comment with an informed opinion about how the system can be improved for everyone.

 

Article Source: You know Illinois’ property taxes are sky-high. But the calculation process might surprise you. – Chicago Tribune


* Advertising Material: To the extent that the information in this post is interpreted as attorney advertising in accordance with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct or within the meaning of state bar rules from all other localities, this statement is made pursuant to those rules.

Specialties: Specialization claims are prohibited by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and we do not claim to be specialists. The content of this e-mail is organized and presented for the sole purpose of general information. None of the included content should be construed as legal advice. Viewing this e-mail or e-mailing the account holder does not create an attorney-client relationship. NOTICE: This page may be considered advertising material.


 

The Law Offices of Lora Fausett P.C. provides real estate law services including loan modificationsbuying and selling legal assistanceshort sales and deeds in lieumortgage foreclosure defense, and more.

Located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and serving clients in DuPageCookKane, Will, and Kendall Counties.

For Information Call 630-858-0090