Assessed Valuation Appeals
We file assessed valuation appeals regarding residential, commercial, industrial and multi-unit properties. We are highly experienced in appealing cases to and appearing before various assessing bodies and appeal review boards. This includes the Cook County Assessor's Office, Cook County Board of Review, Lake County Board of Review and Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board ("PTAB").
In addition, we have successfully settled numerous assessment appeals with local township assessors offices, thereby eliminating the need for an appeal hearing. Where necessary, we will recommend the services of an appraiser highly experienced in preparing real estate tax appraisals. A good appraisal often can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful appeal.
Assessment Reviews
We advise our clients to have their real estate tax situation reviewed annually by our office. One reason is because some counties (i.e. Lake County) issue new assessments on an annual basis, with a major reassessment performed every 4 years. In Cook County specific areas of the county are reassessed every 3 years—what is known as the Triennial Reassessment process. Taxpayers are not limited to appealing their assessed valuations during just the 1st year of the Triennial period. Instead, they can appeal every single year during the entire duration of the 3 year Triennial period.
Tax Exemption Information
We inform clients of their eligibility for specific tax exemptions affecting: (1) those homeowners whose home is their principal residence; (2) senior citizens; (3) people with disabilities; (4) veterans and disabled veterans; and (5) homeowners who have made specific improvements to their homes; These tax exemptions can add up to thousands of dollars in tax savings for eligible taxpayers. However, it is surprising how many taxpayers are not aware of these particular exemptions. Again, our office attempts to proactively advise clients regarding their rights to particular exemptions.
Tax Assessment Calendar Monitoring
We closely monitor the dates that assessments are issued by local assessors and boards of review. This allows our clients and our office the opportunity to properly prepare for the issuance of an individual property's assessment notice(s).
