[rvwaal]

Hi;
I live in St Clair, IL, since 1993. Reciently, I discovered that the county was not applying the owner occupency credit to my property taxes. This credit is worth approximatly $500 this year. How do I apply for a refund for the previous years? The folks at the county courthouse inform me that no refund is possible. Are they correct?

I also discovered an appraisal error, that I think over taxed me approximately $100 this year. Same questions, is a refund possible?

I assume I cannot obtain a refund for all 15 years, but I think 3-5 years would be fair.
Thanks;
Bob

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Bob:

As a general taxation principle, refunds must normally be claimed within three years, so, realistically, you may be able to claim a refund from 2006 through 2008.

However, each county and state have their own rules. You may want to access the state tax department website to find out what the procedures (if any) there are to claim such a refund.

[rvwaal]

AtlantaTaxExpert:
Thank you for your answer. These are county taxes, and I'm told by the people at the courthouse that they do not issue refunds for any prior years. My reading of the state code indicates that I can claim a refund for up to 5 yrs back. Since no procedure is in place for requesting refunds, I assume I'll have to pursue this matter through the courts. To this end, I'll probably have to consult with an lawyer.

Thanks again for your assistance;
Bob

[rvwaal]

AtlantaTaxExpert:
Thank you for your answer. These are county taxes, and I'm told by the people at the courthouse that they do not issue refunds for any prior years. My reading of the state code indicates that I can claim a refund for up to 5 yrs back. Since no procedure is in place for requesting refunds, I assume I'll have to pursue this matter through the courts. To this end, I'll probably have to consult with an lawyer.

Thanks again for your assistance;
Bob

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Good luck to you.

Piece of advice: Bring a copy of the state code to the property tax division and have a face-to-face with someone in authority there. You might find them willing to listen and work out a procedure to get you the refund rather than embroil their county in a court battle which they may end up losing and paying the refund (plus your court and attorney costs) in the end.

All it will cost you in trying is a bit of your time.

[rvwaal]

Hi;
That sounds like good advice. Once layers get involved, these things take on a life of their own. And lawyers cost money.
I applied for, and am waiting for a new tax bill for 2008 taxes. Once I receive it, I will know exactly how many dollars are in play. Then I will proceed.
Thanks again;
Bob

[rvwaal]

Hi;
That sounds like good advice. Once layers get involved, these things take on a life of their own. And lawyers cost money.
I applied for, and am waiting for a new tax bill for 2008 taxes. Once I receive it, I will know exactly how many dollars are in play. Then I will proceed.
Thanks again;
Bob

[rvwaal]

Sorry for the double posts.