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table with property tax appeals form

So You Want To Appeal Your Cook County Property Taxes

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Your property taxes are the taxes that you will pay on your home based on its value, including the land. Throughout Cook County, property taxes are determined by the Assessor and the Assessor’s office, who calculate the amount based on current market value.

However, it is possible the characteristics of your home are incorrect on your assessment, or for you to believe your home’s value is more than what it was assessed in your taxes. In these cases, make sure to file a property tax appeal.

If you are unsure of whether or not to file an appeal, Cook County suggests using this rule: “If the property characteristics on this notice are correct and the estimated market value is within 10 percent of what you think your home is worth then it is unlikely that an appeal would change your property’s assessed value enough to significantly affect its property tax bill.”

To Appeal Your Property Taxes, Follow These Steps

  1. Receive and review your property tax bill. For a calendar of when Cook County appeals are scheduled, click here.
  2. Prepare your appeal by following these official rules.
  3. File the appeal, which can be done online here.
  4. Receive your appeal decision, which will be sent by mail to your home.

What To Know About Appeals

  1. You only have 30 days to file an appeal once the assessments are mailed to your township. Click here for an appeals calendar.
  2. Visit the appeals portal online and prepare your information. You will be asked to provide information such as your home’s square footage, provide comparable properties, attach your assessment and photos of your home and more.
  3. If you’re unsuccessful, remember that you are not out of options. You can appeal once more through the Cook County Board of Review.
  4. If you miss the timeframe to file an appeal, make sure to do it the following year. Once you have appealed one time, you do not need to do so again unless your home’s characteristics have changed.

Access and download our 2021 infographic with these steps to review and share it with your peers!