The Cook County Assessor’s Office has recovered more than $15.6 million after investigating erroneous tax exemptions as part of the Erroneous Homestead Exemption Program.
In addition to the money already collected, the assessor’s office is pursuing more than $13 million billed, including more than $2 million in liens collected at 1.5 percent interest per month. The office also expected more than $10 million in erroneous exemptions revenue in fiscal year 2016.
More than 30,000 property index numbers have been investigated to date.
A person is allowed to have an exemption as a property tax dedication on only the home that is a primary residence. The assessor’s office recoups funds from those who have improperly received homeowner, senior, disabled persons or disabled veterans exemptions.
“If taxpayers are receiving an erroneous exemption or know of those who are they should come forward and notify the office,” said Assessor Joseph Berrios. “I was to make sure everyone pays only his or her fair share of property taxes. No more and no less.”
Taxpayers may anonymously report erroneous exemptions are http://whistleblowing.cookcountyassessor.com/