Beginning in 2000, the Cook County Treasurer’s Office performed a 20 year study on property taxes termed “The Pappas Study.” Overall, the study provided proof of what many Chicago property owners already know: property taxes have increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The…
Author: Appeal.Tax

Late Fees and Cook County Property Taxes
Property taxes are expensive enough without extra fines and fees added to the bill. Below are a few tips and extra steps you can take to avoid late fees. Stay on top of tax bill due dates There is usually a consistent schedule for property…

Cook County and Property Taxes: City of Chicago
Cook County and Property Taxes All properties in Cook County are reassessed on a triennial schedule. Every three years, the new valuations – along with appeals, exemptions, local tax levies, and assessments of nearby properties – determine the amount of future property tax bills. The…

Cook County Property Taxes: South & Southwest Suburbs
Cook County and Property Taxes All properties in Cook County are reassessed on a triennial schedule. Every three years, the new valuations – along with appeals, exemptions, local tax levies, and assessments of nearby properties – determine the amount of future property tax bills. The…

Cook County Property Taxes: North & Northwest Suburbs
Cook County and Property Taxes All properties in Cook County are reassessed on a triennial schedule. Every three years, the new valuations – along with appeals, exemptions, local tax levies, and assessments of nearby properties – determine the amount of future property tax bills. The…

Collar Counties 101: DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, & Will
DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties are known as the collar counties because they encircle Cook County, forming a so-called “collar”. Each of these counties has a Chief County Assessor’s Office, as well as an assessor for each township. Collar counties also have their…

Property Tax Appeals 101
General information Property taxes are determined on an ad valorem basis, which means that the cost of the tax bill is based on the value of the property. The county assessor’s office compares each property with similar properties in the area to determine their respective…

COVID-19 Impact on Property Taxes
COVID-19 Impact on Property Taxes In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois legislators adapted tax policies and procedures. Below are some of the changes that directly impact property owners and property taxpayers. The Cook County Assessor initially suspended mailings and appeal deadlines in March 2020.…

Your Property Taxes Just Went Up! Now What?
Twice a year, homeowners in the Chicagoland area receive their property tax bill; an unwelcome reminder from the county letting them know the escalating cost of owning property in the state of Illinois. In fact, the Tax Foundation recently identified Illinois as having the second highest…

Don’t Let Talk of a Property Tax Freeze Thaw Your Appeal
Governor Bruce Rauner is promoting a property tax freeze as part of his “Turnaround Agenda” for Illinois. A property tax freeze is being floated in Springfield as a bargaining chip for a budget that could include an income tax hike. The Governor has asserted repeatedly…

Illinois Property Taxes: Why Pay More When You Can Appeal For Less
As an Illinois property owner, it’s unlikely you have remained unaffected by the current state of property taxes. Whether you live in a single family home or in a condominium that is part of an association, here are four factors that may put your property…

Chicago Property Tax Double Whammy, 13% Increase
Most Chicago taxpayers just received a double whammy on their recently issued 2nd installment tax bill for 2015. First, the tax bill reflects the new 2015 assessment, which for most taxpayers is higher than the 2014 assessment. Second, the tax bill also reflects a significantly…