Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is partnering again with Telemundo Chicago’s consumer unit, Telemundo Responde, to host a special phone bank, “Las Casas Latinas Importan,” on Thursday, February 19. The event will help Hispanic homeowners determine, in their own language, whether they are owed property tax refunds.

Homeowners may call (312) 603-5105 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on February 19 to receive assistance in Spanish. Representatives from the Treasurer’s Office will review property records to determine whether refunds are available.

During the phone bank, callers can learn:

• Whether they are owed refunds for overpayments made within the past 20 years.
• Whether they qualify for refunds tied to unclaimed exemptions from the past four years.
• Whether their property has delinquent taxes.
• How to enroll in and use the Treasurer’s Office Payment Plan Calculator.

“Duplicate payments can happen, and many Cook County homeowners don’t realize money may be owed to them. My office currently holds $122 million in potential property tax refunds and more than $33 million in possible unclaimed exemptions,” Treasurer Pappas said.

“Telemundo Responde is committed to helping our Hispanic community 24/7, and we are proud to partner with the Cook County Treasurer’s Office on this important initiative,” said Sally Ramírez, Senior Vice President of News for NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago.

Telemundo Chicago will provide live, on-site coverage of the Phone Bank beginning at 4 p.m. on Noticiero Telemundo Chicago, along with TelemundoChicago.com and the Telemundo Chicago mobile app. Alfonso Gutiérrez will serve as on-site host.

Homeowners may qualify for six types of property tax exemptions: Homeowner, Senior Exemption, Senior Freeze, Returning Veterans, Persons with Disabilities, and Disabled Veterans.

For more information about how to apply for refunds, unclaimed exemptions, and other services, taxpayers may visit cookcountytreasurer.com.