Keep an eye on this story:
Rahm Emanuel’s property taxes: UPDATE
Illinois Review received an email today from Eric Herman, the communications director of the Cook County Assessor’s office. In it he accuses us of posting a “wholly inaccurate” story (see story here) in which we asked why Rahm Emanuel’s home at 4228 North Hermitage is not listed on Cook County’s tax rolls and therefore not subject to property taxes.
According to Mr. Herman the answer is: “for tax purposes”. It seems the empty lot (4232 N. Hermitage), which is adjacent to the lot where Emanuel and his family live (4228 N. Hermitage) and where their non-profit foundation is located is the one listed on the Assessor’s website and therefore subject to property taxation.
The Cook County Assessor’s Office provided us the PIN number for the empty lot, which is required to view tax payment records on the Cook County Treasurer’s website. We did that and found that a property tax payment of $13,022.60 was made last year.
But this seems to raise more questions.
Why is Rahm Emanuel’s residence listed on the State Board of Election as 4228 N. Hermitage, while the Cook County Assessor’s website and the Cook County Treasurer’s website have it listed as 4232 N. Hermitage?
Is Rahm Emanuel’s property tax based on the value of the empty lot at 4232 N. Hermitage or on the value of the lot (4228 N. Hermitage) where his house and his tax exempt, non-profit foundation are located?
Why is the property’s PIN number out of sequence?
Is the yearly property tax liability of a home valued at $695,000 in 1998 really only $13,022.60?
We’ve asked the Cook County Assessor’s office to provide us the answers and further clarification. We’ll update you when we have more, and when time permits.
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/11/emanuel-pay-pro.html
[the first story>>>
Why doesn’t Rahm Emanuel pay property taxes?
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/11/why-doesnt-rahm.html
Jeez, I just googled the address. Yup, there really is a vacant lot next door, and Emanuel’s house looks pretty spiffy from the air. So does the neighborhood. Thirteen grand in taxes, my derriere.