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Skidmore New Picture Taxpayer News

March 2009
 
   It's That Time Of Year Again!
 
 Trying to understand the tax cycle?

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Important Taxpayer Information 
 
New Website Address www.lakecountyil.gov/treasurer
 
It's that time of year again!  It will not be long before the 2008 Lake County Property Taxes are mailed.  We are hoping to have the bills in the mail by May 1st with tentative due dates of June 3rd and September 3rd.
 
Because of the tough economic time, we have had an extremely high volume of phone calls requesting information about this year's collection.
 
I thought that it would be a good idea to send out this email with the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about your property taxes.
 
We realize that we are limited by the Illinois State Statues on what can be done; this email is to assure you that we will continue to work with homeowners to do whatever is needed to get these payments made.  
 
As in the past, once the bills have been released we will continue to take partial payments, with the understanding that after the due date the remaining balances could be subject to interest.  December 4th is the last day to pay to avoid the tax sale.
 
Please take a close look at the frequently asked questions. Feel free to respond with questions to treasurer@lakecountyil.gov or call the office at 847.377.2323.
 
Once the dates and tax information have been finalized, we will send another email with actual due dates and the information calendar.
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Tax Bill
Q: When will the 2008 tax bill be mailed?
A: The 2008 tax bills will be mailed by May 1st, with tentative due dates of June 3rd and September 3rd.  Duplicate copies of the tax bills are available on the Payment Status of our website. 
 
Q: My tax bill seems to high.  Is it to late to appeal? 
Basically yes, appeals should be filed within 30 days from the date of Assessment Roll Publication.  The only exception would be incorrect data that the assessment was calculated on (example would be incorrect square footage).  If this is the case, you should contact your local Township Assessor.
 
Q:  Will partial payments payments be accepted once the bills have been sent out?
A:  Yes, partial payments can be made by mail or at the Treasurer's Office, with the understanding that the remaining balances due after the due dates could be subject to interest.
 
Q:  Are there other items that I should be paying close attention to on the tax bill?
A:  Yes.  Please pay close attention to your total exemptions, these exemptions could lower your current tax bill. For a complete list of exemptions, go to Property Tax Relief, on the assessor's site. 
 
Q: My mortgage company pays my taxes. Why did I get a bill?

A: Many mortgage companies pay electronically, and do not require a bill. We suggest that you contact your mortgage company to confirm this. A bill is mailed to you for your records.
 
Q: I did not live here in 2008. Why did I receive a 2008 tax bill?
A: The tax remains with the property regardless of ownership. To determine your liability for paying the tax, check your closing statement to see if the seller gave you credit, or contact your attorney.

Q: I did not pay my taxes last year. Where can I find out how much I owe?
A: Call the Lake County Clerk at 847.377.2404, and ask for an Estimate of Redemption. Make sure you have your parcel number.

Q: Can I prepay my taxes?
A: Yes, prepayments are accepted December 15th to December 31st.
 
Q: I own multiple parcels in the County. Can I pay with one check?
A: Yes you can. Please make sure that your math is correct and list the parcel numbers of the properties you are paying on your check. Include the correct coupon(s) for each payment you are making.
 
Q: If I pay by mail, how can I get a receipt?
A: Your canceled check is your receipt. If you should need an official receipt, please go to our Payment Status screen, enter the information needed and you will then be able to print the document.  

Q: Is there a charge for a copy of my bill?
A: No, we do not charge homeowners for duplicate copies of their tax bills. However, mortgage companies, lenders and closing companies are charged $2.50 per bill. 

Q: What are the hours for the Treasurer's office?
A: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Added hours, due dates only 8:30-7:00pm. 

Q: How do I pay my tax bill?
A: You can pay by mail, in person and at most Lake County Banks. Also online or by phone with credit card.
 
Q: Can I use my credit card for payment?
A: In our office (Discover-only), Online-can use any major credit card, a convenience fee charged. 

Q: If I pay by mail do you honor postmark?
A: Yes, only before or on the due date, and it must be an official U.S. postmark.
 
Q: I never received my tax bill. What should I do?
A: Call the Treasurer's office at 847.377.2323 or go to our web page and print a bill. 

Q: What if I have my bill, but I lost my payment stubs?
A: Be sure to write the parcel number on your check. You can also download a copy of your tax bill with a payment stub at the Payment Status screen.
  
Q: My mortgage company and I both paid the taxes due on the same installment. Will you send the double payment back to me?
A: Normally, both payments would be applied to the parcel; therefore, the homeowner would have to call and request a refund.

Q: What if, for some reason, I have to pay my taxes late?
A: You will be assessed a penalty at 1 ½% per month. 

Q: What if, for some reason, I am altogether unable to pay my taxes. Will I lose my property?
A: If taxes are not paid by the tax sale date, taxes will go to sale. If taxes are not redeemed within 2 1/2 years, the tax buyer can petition for deed.

Q: Can I make my tax payment online with my local bank?
A: Yes. If your bank offers this service. Please remember when making these payments, to provide ample time for mailing and processing of tax bills. Payments must be US Postmarked by the due dates to avoid additional penalties. We do not accept wire transfers. It will be your responsibility to balance your statement to assure that the payment was mailed, received and processed correctly.


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Please contact our office with any questions or comments. We can be reached at 847.377.2323 or by email at treasurer@lakecountyil.gov