Chicago Property Taxes Too High? Appeal.

Surely, no one enjoys paying property taxes in Chicago or elsewhere. Yet, they are inescapable if you are a property owner. In recent years, it seems the burden has increased exponentially. The days are filled with headlines about the decline in home values but the tax bill (which is supposed to be based on value) does not seem to have budged at all.  What can you do? 

One answer is to appeal your assessment. Each year in Cook County, the assessor re-assesses one third of the county in what is called the triennial assessment in which your property's assessment valuation is fixed for the next three years. You can appeal that assessment each year and offer evidence that your valuation is not appropriate. The assessor's office deadlines and appeal forms can be found online here. You can do the appeal yourself. You do not need an attorney. Simply complete the form to start the process. The assessor's office also offers assistance at any of it offices. If you fee that you do in fact need the assistance of an attorney, there is a great service called Tax & Utility Reduction Consultants ("TURC") in New Lennox that offers the best service that we have seen. They are not attorney but do retain attorney's on your behalf and TURC does all of the research to support your appeal. You can contact TURC at (815) 463-1707.

Whatever course you choose to take, make sure you appeal. By not appealing, you are guaranteeing that the assessor's valuation will remain the basis for your tax bill for the next three years. Do not wory, the assessor cannot raise your bill just because you filed an appeal.

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