Treasurer: Gwen Henry

Refund of Over Paid Taxes

It is that time again to send out the 2017 tax bills. I have already received a number of calls wanting to know when the bills would be received and how the results look. The bills do have a different look for this year. The changes relate to the next paragraph.

As you may recall, Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. As a result of this action over 20,000 prepaid their 2017 real estate taxes for an amount of more than $225,000,000. The IRS issued a tax guidance, after the prepayments had begun, that said that prepayment of taxes would not be deductible on the 2017 income tax returns. I am pleased to say I have received a letter from Congressman Roskam clarifying this “guidance”. Prepayments for 2017 taxes are indeed deductible on 2017 income tax returns. The bill subtracts the amount of the prepayment and shows the net amount due (or to be refunded).

As I write this letter, I do not know the amounts of individual bills, but I understand that the average tax rate is down 3.5% with the average bill up 2.2%. Remember this is an average, so it may not be your own experience.

Some of the more interesting 2017 statistics. There are 9,862 parcels off the tax rolls. These include forest preserve lands and others with not for profit ownership. The assessed property value in the County increased by 5.7% in 2017, the third year in a row for an increase. The assessed value of your individual property is critical in determining the amount of your real estate taxes. If you think there is a problem with your assessed value, contact your local assessor. The telephone number is on your bill. The 2017 taxes to be collected will be approximately $2,803,187,226.77 and will be distributed to the appropriate taxing bodies.

Every year I remind taxpayers to check their exemptions. The senior exemptions this year are on 61,068 parcels. If you are 65 or older, check to make sure you have this exemption. The exemption is worth an average tax reduction of $387. There are still too many instances where taxpayers in their eighties have never benefited from the exemption. I would remind you also, that you may not claim a residential exemption on more than one property (and one state).

Our knowledgeable and dedicated team is ready to assist you with your payments and questions. We have a 24/7 website for your use. We urge you to consider epay when making your payments. For tax payment support, call us at 630-407-5900 or email us at PropertyTaxAdvocate@dupageco.org

If you have questions, please feel free to contact my office. It is a privilege to serve you.

Gwen Henry, CPA, DuPage County Treasurer