What is the property tax appeal process?

The property tax appeal process in Cook County is designed for property owners who believe that their property has been overvalued or improperly assessed. This process typically begins with a review of the property assessment notice that is mailed to property owners when their property's assessment is completed. The notice provides information about the assessed value, which is used to calculate property tax bills. If a property owner disagrees with the assessment, the first step is to file an appeal with the Cook County Assessor's Office. This is usually done by submitting a completed appeal application along with supporting documentation that demonstrates why the assessment is inaccurate. Common grounds for appeal include comparisons to similar properties in the area that have lower assessments or evidence of any significant issues with the property that may affect its value. Once the appeal is filed, the Assessor's Office will review the submitted materials and may schedule a hearing. During the hearing, property owners can present their evidence, and the Assessor's Office will also present its findings. After considering all the information, the Assessor's Office will issue a decision regarding the appeal. If a property owner is still dissatisfied with the outcome, there is an option to appeal the decision to the Cook County Board of Review. It is important to pay attention to deadlines for both the initial appeal and any subsequent appeals, as they are time-sensitive. For specific information and forms related to this process, interested parties may want to refer to the official Cook County Assessor's Office website.