Property tax appeals are a challenge to the assessed value of your property—NOT your bill. If filed at the County level, a successful appeal lowers the value of your property and is effective for future bills.
Should you file an appeal?
Appeals are typically filed for a few reasons: poor accuracy, poor uniformity, or incorrect property description.
Lack of Uniformity/Inaccuracy
If you believe your home is overvalued or has not been assessed like similar properties in your area, then you can provide supporting documentation such as recent closing statements or sales prices on comparable properties to support an appeal.Incorrect Property Description
If a reassessment notice lists an incorrect square footage, property classification, or another error that may affect market value, you can file an appeal to correct this. Supporting documentation such as property record cards or dated photos may be submitted with your appeal. A minor error does not necessarily indicate an incorrect assessment.
The Appeals Process
Cook County Assessor’s Office
- Taxpayers have a 30-business day window from when reassessment notices are mailed to appeal assessments at the Assessor's Office. Filing appeals in the same year as the assessment ensures any reductions are reflected on that tax year’s bills.
- The Assessor's Office recommends filing appeals on line, though you may also do so in-person. You will want your property identification number (PIN) and supporting documents on hand.
File an Online Appeal with the Assessor's Office
Cook County Board of Review
- If you miss the Assessor's Office's window or simply prefer to, you may file an appeal with the Board of Review, a separately elected panel of three commissioners representing districts within the County.
- The Board of Review opens individual townships for appeals after the Assessor has assessed each property in the township. Townships have particular filing dates which vary annually. Please check the Board of Review website for opening dates and information.
- Each township remains open for about 30 days, giving owners time to submit evidence. Individual hearings are scheduled and held during a designated week
- Taxpayers may appeal at the Board of Review even if they unsuccessfully appealed at the Assessor's Office.
- You will need the same supporting documents required to appeal at the Assessor's Office.
- The determination of the Board of Review is final unless you choose to appeal at the state level.