Seniors pay no property tax through Deferral Program

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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:12AM

Senior citizens struggling with property tax bills can enroll in a program in which they pay no property taxes at all, according to Oak Park Township Assessor Ali ElSaffar. Under the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program, qualifying seniors can defer payment of their property taxes until their homes or condominiums are sold.

To qualify, seniors must have annual household income of less than $50,000, have equity in their homes that exceeds the sum of property taxes deferred and have lived in their homes for three years. Small multi-family properties such as two-flats that generate rental income are not eligible for the program. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, whose office administers the program, has set a March 1 deadline for deferral applications.

The tax deferral program is essentially a loan from the state for property taxes that must be repaid with annual interest of 6 percent when the house is sold. To ensure that the money is repaid, a lien is placed on the senior’s home that will prevent the home from being sold without full repayment.

“Having a lien placed on a home is often considered a bad thing. But a home mortgage is also a lien on the home and no one views mortgages in a negative light. Liens, whether for mortgages or property taxes, are merely designed to ensure that the lent money is repaid,” ElSaffar said.

There are some circumstances, however, where senior citizens might not want a lien on their homes. Seniors uncertain about whether to apply can speak with the Township Assessor’s office, but should also consider discussing the matter with legal advisers, financial advisers or family members.

“If you are eligible for the deferral, you should also be eligible for the senior freeze and the senior homestead exemption. By applying for the other senior benefits, you will reduce your property tax liability, which reduces the deferred tax that will eventually be repaid.”

Seniors interested in additional details about the program can call the Oak Park Township Assessor’s office at (708) 383-8005.

Oak Park Arms

Oak Park Arms Retirement Community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., offers events for adults of all ages. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.oakparkarms.com or call Jill Wagner at (708) 386-4040.

Quality of Life Program: 8:30 a.m. Feb. 2, “Breakfast with the Cardiologist” with Dr. Robert Lichtenberg. Participants who attend the breakfast/lecture are invited to wear something red. It’s a pretty good bet Dr. Lichtenberg will. Free and open to the public. Call (708) 386-4040 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.

Valentine’s Day Dance: 2 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Grand Ballroom of the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., with the Freenotes Big Band, an 18-piece band that plays music from 1940s through the 1960s. The public is invited. Free, however, reservations are requested. Call Jill Wagner at (708) 386-4040 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.

“Film View and Review: You be the Critic,” 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10, “King Arthur” starring Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. Radio announcer Dan Kane hosts the film and will lead a lively discussion afterward.

Oak Park
Township

Oak Park Township Senior Services, 418 S. Oak Park Ave. E-mail seniors@oakparktownship.org; call Dana Ferdinand, (708) 383-8060; or visit Web site, www.oakparktownship.org. Events in fifth floor lunch room unless otherwise noted.

Lunch Program: Served 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, for suggested contribution $1.50/meal. All residents 60 and older are welcome and encouraged to attend. Transportation available, call (708) 383-4806. Upcoming menu: Today, Sweet and sour chicken; Feb. 3, Breaded fish patty; Feb. 6, Smoked sausage; Feb. 7, Chili; Feb. 8, Pesto chicken; Feb. 9, Stuffed cabbage.

Get Coupons for Dine Out Program: 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy affordable, nutritious lunches or dinners at specified local restaurants. Suggested donation $3.50.

Free Hearing Screenings: Between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8, by appointment only, at the Sound Care Hearing office at 610 S. Maple Ave., Suite 5300. All appointments require a referral from Oak Park Township Senior Services. To schedule an appointment, call (708) 383-8060.

Caregiver Support Group: 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 10 (second and fourth Friday) in the sixth floor offices.

AARP Tax-Aide program: Free basic tax preparation assistance is available for persons with low and middle income with special attention to those age 60 and older. Appointments can now be made to see a tax counselor at 9:30, 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday through April 12. Call (708) 383-8060.

The Lifelong
Learning Center

The Senior Citizens’ Center of OPRF, The Lifelong Learning Center, 414 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

Classes offered include: Beading, Stained Glass, Beginning Crochet, Weaving, “Scribblers”, Bridge, Lapidary Workshop, Woodshop, Ceramics, German Language, Fine Arts (watercolor or acrylics), Italian Language,

River Forest
Community Center

River Forest Community Center, 8020 Madison St. Register for trips (708) 771-6159, Ext. 200. Annual membership dues $20.

Card Club: Bridge, 12:30-3:30 p.m. today, Feb. 16 and March 1.