Want to save on your property taxes?

One of Bill LeFew's primary tasks as McHenry County treasurer is collecting your tax dollars for the county, schools and other government agencies.

But over the next few weeks, LeFew instead will concentrate on showing county property owners how they can start sending him less.

LeFew brings his "Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Real Estate Taxes" tour to the southeast part of the county this month, starting with presentations at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Cary Junior High School.

"Some people end up paying a lot more than they have to," LeFew said. "My goal is to make sure people pay their fair share, but only their fair share."

The program will provide property owners with hints and instructions on how they can take advantage of exemptions and other programs that can lower taxes. Although about half of the top 10 apply only to seniors, LeFew said there will be plenty for other residents to gain from as well.

After Cary this weekend, LeFew's tour is scheduled to make stops at Jacobs High School in Algonquin, with presentations at 7 p.m. Oct. 21, 22 and 23, and at Huntley High School 7 p.m. Nov. 4 and 5.

Although LeFew has been giving similar presentations to senior groups and fraternal organizations for years, this is the first year he's taken the 40-minute program on the road to individual communities.

He began putting on the presentations about six years ago after an 82-year-old widow called his office in tears, saying she had to sell her home because she no longer could afford the taxes.

"I looked it up the exemptions she was eligible for and she wasn't using any of them, even though she was entitled from the age of 65," he said. "Over 17 years she paid $40,000 she didn't have to pay.

"If people come in, and they qualify, they could lower their (real estate) taxes to zero for the rest of their lives."