We are almost at the halfway point for the year, so now is a good time to check in with where we are in Cook County’s often confusing property tax cycle. First installment 2018 Property Tax Bills were due by March 1, 2019 and all qualifying 2018 property tax exemptions should already have been applied for in order for them to appear on your second installment 2018 Property Tax bill. Anyone who may have missed filing for a qualified exemption can still file; however, it will be filed as a Certificate of Error.
The second installment of your 2018 Property Tax Bill will most likely be in mailboxes by the end of June and is due by August 1, 2019. Any changes in assessed values due to an Assessed Valuation Appeal made in 2018 will be reflected in the calculation of the second installment property taxes.
The next opportunity Riverside Township property owners will have to file a 2019 Assessed Valuation Appeal will be with the Cook County Board of Review sometime in mid-August. Homeowners who feel their assessed values are still too high will have 30 days to file their appeals once the Board of Review notifies Riverside Township of a starting date.
Homeowners who purchased their homes after January 1, 2018 will want to apply for their Homeowner Exemptions next year. In most cases for the 2018 property tax year, the previous homeowner’s exemption will carry forward for 2018 only. Next year’s Homeowner Exemption application will require a copy of your driver’s license issued with your new address. The application process will go a lot easier if your driver’s license is updated and matches your current residence.
The Riverside Township Assessor, Fran Sitkiewicz, and her staff are available to address any and all concerns residents may have regarding their property taxes. Their office is located on the 3rd floor of the Town Hall and is open regularly Monday – Friday, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. It is recommended that residents call ahead of time and make an appointment.
The office maintains both a phone and email list to help them stay in touch with residents. If you would like to be added to their email list, send an email to [email protected]. If you would prefer to be contacted by phone, first call the Township Assessor, Fran Sitkiewicz at (708) 447-7700 and request to be added to the list.
Thanks for the article. Quick question though, Have you heard anything about this new 2020 tax bill? I overheard some folks at th gym talking about it and I’m pretty worried. I really appreciate any advice you can give.
Hello, Emerson.
Cook County property taxes are calculated in arrears. The second installment property tax bills for 2018 have just been posted to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office website. You can view your bill in advance of receiving it in the mail at http://www.cookcountytreasurer.com.
2019 Assessed values are currently being determined by the Cook County Assessor’s Office.
As far as I know, there have been no dramatic changes legislated for 2020 in the Illinois Property Tax Code. Is there something in particular you are concerned about?
Fran Sitkiewicz
Riverside Township Assessor
708-447-7700