Good news: the Cook County Treasurer's Office is ready to refund any over payments made in the past. However, tax payers may be owed even more money if they aren't taking advantage of all the exemptions they are entitled to. This is especially true for Senior property owners.

Alderman Roberto Maldonado said, "Seniors could save thousands of dollars on their property tax bills just by applying now to re-instate the Senior Freeze exemption they received last year. If you discover your name on the above list, please call our office to ensure that you have all of the exemptions you are entitled to."
.
The most common exemption that property owners miss is the Senior Freeze. State law requires that senior citizens reapply every year for the Senior Freeze Tax Exemption, which is available to homeowners who are 65 years of age or older making less than $65,000 annually. The Senior Freeze, which prevents increases in the taxable value of a home, is especially valuable. If you received the Homeowner or Senior Exemption last year, it will automatically renew. But the Senior Freeze will not automatically renew. Neither will Persons with Disabilities, Veterans with Disabilities, and/or Longtime Occupant Exemptions. These exemptions must also be applied for each year.