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https://prodassets.cookcountyassessor.com/s3fs-public/faq/triennialcycle.PNG 

 

Typically 30% to 60% of homes are overassessed. Home assessed values change every year as appeals are won. If you never appeal, you are paying higher property taxes than your area neighbors. A common complaint about not filing an appeal is the cost of the appeal process. You do not need to hire an attorney or a tax service. We have developed an economical way for you to obtain the most current information to use as evidence for your appeal. One low fee $50 - we research and provide the evidence you need - You file - You keep 100% of your tax savings.

 

As a Homeowner, you have the right to appeal your taxes every year. The Cook County Assessors' office assesses property on a triennial, tri-county map. 1/3 of the 33 tax townships are assessed yearly with the covered period of 3 years. At the beginning of the triennial cycle, homeowners receive a Reassessment letter that indicates the new assessed values assigned by the Cook County Assessors' Office. You have a small window of time - typically 30 days from the date of the Reassessment letter to reply and appeal the value reflected in that letter with the Cook County Assessors' office.

 

It is a well-known fact that property tax appeals fail for various reasons. Sometimes, it may take several appeals before you win an appeal. With the proper supporting data for your appeal, you increase your chances of a successful appeal. We supply you with the necessary data for your home and also provide instructions on how to file your appeal online at both levels.

Types of Appeals     
                               

Lack of Uniformity - most common appeal. You need to locate 6 comparable properties (comps) that have the same characteristics, tax neighborhood, property class. updates, etc. to prove you are not being assessed uniformly compared to your neighbors.

Overvaluation - less common. You must provide proof that your assessed value is not correct. If you recently purchased your home and the purchase price x 10% is lower than your assessed value, you have grounds for an appeal of overvaluation. Likewise, if a home in your area compares to all of your characteristics and has sold for less, you have grounds for an overvaluation appeal.

Errors on your property characteristics - i.e. incorrect square footage, baths, fireplaces, garage, the exterior of the home, age of home, etc. - you will need to provide proof to support your claim of an error. Examples of evidence include your deed or a certified appraisers' report.          

The Benefits of using our service:

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 1.) Saves you time - our database has records on all homes and 90 characteristics - accurate info

 2.) An honest assessment of your situation. No evidence available = NO charge and NO risk

 3.) A low economical fee - $50.00 each request - file twice a year and maximize savings

 4.) YOU KEEP 100% of your savings - no hidden fees, no % of savings to us
        If you hired an attorney or a tax service - typical fees are 33% - 50% of your tax savings

 You have two opportunities to appeal every year:

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1. Cook County Assessors office - #1 opportunity

     A.) Time frame - between January and October
     B.)  When the Appeals open - 30 days to submit an appeal
     C.) You can appeal online or via mail
     D.) Most Common Appeal reason - Lack of Uniformity 

  While you are not required to produce evidence of comps at this level, we strongly advise that you do - this is one of the most common reasons homeowners fail to win their appeal. Our database contains 100 characteristics of each home in your area and we analyze all of the details as well as looking at the current sales in the market to provide you with comps that should be favorable for a positive outcome for your appeal.

    See specific dates and deadlines at CCAO - Calendar and Appeals Deadlines

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 2. Cook County Board of Review - #2 opportunity
     A.) Time frame - between August and December   
     B.) When the Appeals open - 30 days to submit an appeal  
     C.) You can appeal online or via mail
    D.) Most Common Appeal reasons- Lack of Uniformity and Overvaluation
 

  At this appeal level, you should submit supporting documents with your appeal to present a case for the assessed value to be successfully lowered. You do not need an attorney at this level.

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  We update our database values once the new values from successful appeals at the Cook County Assessors' level are published, presenting you another opportunity to reduce your assessed value based on new current information.

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  See specific dates and deadlines at:

 https://cookcountyboardofreview.com/files/BOR-File-462.pdf

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After each initial appeal from both offices, there are opportunities to ask for a re-review of the appeal decision, however, you must present new information to support your request for a re-review. Typically, the re-review is more difficult to win

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PLEASE NOTE - due to Covid-19, the schedule for 2020 Board of review has not yet been posted as of 9-21-20. The first round of appeals for Cook County Assessors' office needs to be complete prior to the opening of the Cook County Board of review appeals for Cook County tax townships. Also, the re-review process has been canceled by the Cook County Assessors' office to provide adequate time for all residents who wish to file appeals.

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