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…
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Understanding Residential Property Tax Appeals
There are several different classes, or types, of property in Cook County. One of these classes is residential property which includes single-family homes and townhomes. This category also includes condominiums and cooperatives with 6 units or fewer. In some cases, mixed use buildings are also…

Understanding Commercial Property Tax Appeals
Commercial properties account for one of several different classes, or types, of property in Cook County. In order to be considered commercial property, a parcel of real estate must be used for business activities. Commercial property is often a building that houses office or retail…

Understanding Multi-Family Property Tax Appeals
There are several different classes, or types, of property located in Cook County. Multi-unit residential properties are parcels of real estate that must be set up to accommodate several households in separate units. This can take the form of a single building with multiple units…

West Chicago Township Spotlight: 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 Assessor’s Office, the Board of…

South Chicago Township Spotlight: 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 Assessor’s Office, the Board of…

Rogers Park Township Spotlight: 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 Assessor’s Office, the Board of…

North Chicago Township Spotlight: 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 Assessor’s Office, the Board of…

Lakeview Township Spotlight: 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 Assessor’s Office, the Board of…

Lake Township Spotlight: 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 Assessor’s Office, the Board of…

Hyde Park Township Spotlight: 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 Assessor’s Office, the Board of…

Jefferson Township Spotlight: 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 Assessor’s Office, the Board of…

COVID’s (Continued) Impact on Property Taxes
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial hardship for many Illinois families. Long term stay-at-home orders, scarce federal stimulus money, and missed paychecks have made it difficult or impossible for some homeowners to pay their tax bills on time on time or altogether. Before the Coronavirus…

Cook County COVID-19 Adjustments and Assessment Appeals
The COVID-19 pandemic is lasting longer than most people had hoped. For many families and small businesses, the financial toll is apparent and devastating. The real estate market was anticipated to take a massive hit given the volume of unemployment, under employment, pay-cuts, and delayed…

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 Property Types
There are many different types of properties in Cook County. They are sorted into several categories for the purposes of classification. Factors such as age, height, and function of the property determine its class. This brief guide will help you understand the variety of residences,…

Property Tax Exemptions: People with Disabilities, Seniors, and Veterans
There are two main factors that determine the amount of a Cook County property tax bill: The levy, or the amount of money local governments charge property owners to cover government spendingThe value of a taxpayer’s property Exemptions are an additional factor. They lower tax…

Property Tax Exemptions: Homeowners and Home Improvement
What are exemptions? There are two main factors that determine the amount of a Cook County property tax bill: The levy, or the amount of money local governments charge property owners to cover government spendingThe value of a taxpayer’s property Exemptions are an additional factor.…

Understanding Property Tax Refunds
Why would I receive a refund? If you overpay on Illinois property tax bill, you may be eligible for a refund. Unclaimed tax exemptions for senior citizens, veterans, and citizens with disabilities make up another significant proportion. Otherwise, you may be entitled to a refund…

Property Description Errors: Questions and Answers
With the large number of properties that are assessed each year, mistakes can happen. It’s important to examine the documents that come with your property assessment and check for any information that looks out of place. If you find something that’s inaccurate, it’s worth further…

Do you know your PIN? Understanding Your Cook County Property Index Number
What is a PIN? PIN stands for Property Index Number. Sometimes it’s also referred to as a Parcel Identification Number. A PIN is a 14-digit code that functions as a unique identifier for a parcel of land. All types of properties have PINs, including: Single…

Property Tax Incentives: Open Spaces
Cook County awards tax incentives to owners of several different types of property. Eligibility is contingent on matching the description of at least one of several special assessment property classes. Here are a few examples: Many classes concern the improvement of a parcel of land.Some…

Property Tax Incentives: Historic Residences
Cook County awards tax incentives to owners of several different types of property. Eligibility is contingent on matching the description of at least one of several special assessment property classes. Here are a few examples: Many classes concern the improvement of a parcel of land.Some…

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…