From McHenry County:
Property Tax Workshop Taking Place May 6 at MCC Auditorium to Accommodate Demand
WOODSTOCK, Ill. – McHenry County’s property tax workshop is back by very popular demand in a much bigger venue – and attendees will learn about new services and resources that will be available for taxpayers with this year’s payments.
Once again, McHenry County Treasurer Donna Kurtz, County Clerk and Recorder Joe Tirio, and Chief Assessment Officer Alex Benitez are teaming up to hold a workshop event to educate the public on property taxes.
This next workshop will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, at the Luecht Auditorium (Building B) of McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake to accommodate the anticipated audience.
“When Joe, Alex and I held a series of property-tax workshops last fall at libraries across McHenry County, the events were standing-room only, so we’re holding one at a much larger venue to coincide with the mailing of this year’s tax bills,” Kurtz said.
“Once again, we’re coming together to explain how property taxes work to help spread the word about exemptions, convenient ways to pay, programs for seniors, and more.
And besides unveiling some exciting new services, we’ll also be giving attendees a handy reference
guide explaining it all in plain English.”
The workshop is a great opportunity to learn the ABCs of property taxes.
Attendees will learn how to navigate their tax bill, learn about all the exemptions available to them, learn
the impact of increasing assessments, and understand how tax levies, budgets, and elections affect property taxes.
Attendees will receive a Resource Guide with important property tax information.
The event is free, but attendees should register in advance to be assured of receiving a Resource Guide and a seat.
They can do so by calling the Treasurer’s Office at 815-334-4260, or by emailing Treasurer@mchenrycountyil.gov.
Besides property taxes, Tirio will also discuss his office’s Property Fraud Alert program.
With cases of property fraud and identity theft on the rise, the free subscription service offers personal notification to the subscriber via email, text, or telephone if a document is recorded in their name – and his office, upon request, will refer potential property fraud cases to law enforcement agencies for investigation.
To sign up for the service, visit www.propertyfraudalert.com, or call 800-334-4110.
“For many people, your home is by far your most significant investment,” Tirio said.
“Understanding property taxes is important, but it’s just as important to protect that investment against the growing problem of fraudsters filing fake liens or forged deed transfers.
The Property Fraud Alert is a layer of peace of mind, it’s absolutely free, and we’re encouraging people to sign up.”
While it is too late to challenge the 2025 assessments for this year’s property tax bills, Benitez said he wants to explain how assessments work so homeowners in subsequent years can understand the process.
Benitez also will explain the many exemptions and deductions available to property owners.
“The process of how homes and properties are assessed for tax purposes is complicated–besides explaining how it works, it’s vital that people know the available exemptions that can reduce their assessments – and apply for every one they are entitled to have,” Benitez said.
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For background on something I started in 1970:
