Clear Lake Township Assessor\\\'s Office

ASSESSORS OFFICE

EXEMPTIONS

Building and Zoning Permits

The Township does not issue any building permits for any residents. If a resident is within the Village of Spaulding, Riverton or Dawson they must apply for a permit through the local Village Hall. All others must apply through Sangamon County Building and Zoning Office. Questions can be addressed at:

753-6740.

Frequently Asked Questions?

How do I get my assessment changed? Residents may file a tax appeal through the local township office or through the county building. Multipliers must be appealed through the State. Anyone having an appraisal may submitt it to the township for a change in their assessment. A recent sale can be used as long as it is an arm's length transaction. The office will be happy to show you how to use comparable properties as a tax appeal. The County has an limited window to file and appeal. The township can make changes up to December 31st of each year.

I want to add a structure to my property, how will that affect my taxes? Residents may call and discuss how the new structure will affect their property assessment. The assessors office does not assess concrete or blacktop driveways, fences or above ground pools. All other structures could affect your assessed value. Residents can apply for a home improvement exemption for 4 years on any new structures up to a value of $45,000.

David Carver, Assessor

Lisa Brown, Assistant to Assessor

Email: assessor@clearlaketownship.net

Geographic Information Systems or GIS is a public available system. This county based program allows residents, realtors and others to view and print airal views of properties located in Sangamon County. There is a charge for copies of 50 cents each.

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General Homestead – must apply by January 31^st of each year, $5500 maximum amount

Senior Citizen Homestead – must apply by January 31^st, $4,000 reduction in addition to the General Homestead

Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze- residents currently receiving this freeze will receive renewal documents each year. New applicants can apply beginning in May. The assessed value of your property for the year prior to the year you first apply is “frozen”. Annual application is required with maximum caps of income each year. For 2008 the income cap is $55,000.

Homestead Improvement a/k/a home improvement – Exemption up to 4 years up to $25,000 in assessed value or $75,000 market value. This is to allow homeowners to make improvements to the property and have it exempted back off for 4 years.

Disabled Persons’ Homestead – exemption provides a reduction of $2,000 by a person with a disability rating of 100% by IL Secretary of State Class 2 or 2A Disabled Person ID Card, current year Social Security Administration, VA, Railroad or Civil Service 100% disability benefit documentation.

Returning Veterans Homestead – exemption provides a one time $5,000 reduction of military service members who have, during the current year, returned from active duty deployment.

Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead - $5,000 reduction for disabled veterans with a service related disability of at least 75%.

Deadlines: All exemptions must be applied for by January 31^st of each year with the exception of Senior Citizens Freeze.

Forms: obtained at Room 210 of the CountyBuilding.

Assistance by calling 753-6805.

ASSESSMENT NOTICE EXPLANATION

New Law Affects Training for the Assessors Office

Beginning in 2011

All assessing personnel must be certified by the IL Department of Revenue. Beginning in 2011, all certified personnel will be required sixty (60) hours every four (4) years of continuing education. For anyone not completing their continuing education, will result in the loss of their certification.