Don't Forget: Not Happy with Your Property Tax Assessment? Learn How to Appeal

Confused about your property tax assessment? Chances are, you're not alone.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak and his staff will help residents complete tax appeal forms and answer questions. Tax appeal forms are available in the City Clerk's Office at . The forms are due by Nov. 16.

Tax Advocate Guy Gattone also will be present to answer questions. Contact Gattone at 708-687-4050, ext. 1031.

If you plan to attend, pick up a set of appeal forms and bring them with you to the seminar. 

Why You Might Want to File an Appeal

If you feel your home is improperly assessed, you are encouraged to file an appeal with the Cook County Assessor’s Office. There are many reasons homeowners might want to file an appeal.

Three main reasons, according to the Cook County Assessor's website, include:

• The assessment of your property's value doesn't seem to match up with similar properties. Uniformity requires that two or more properties in a neighborhood that are similar in size, type of construction, age and style have similar assessed values. You do not need to research and find your own comparable properties in order to file a uniformity appeal. Cook County analysts will stack your property against comparable ones to check the value.
• The assessor's records inaccurately describe your property. You think the assessor made an error in property description, or class of land, or building measurement. Your property's value is determined partially by the  “property description.” Please keep in mind that changing a minor property characteristic may not necessarily change the assessment.
• Your property is overvalued. You know your property is worth less than the assessor's statement. If you have proof that establishes this, you're encouraged to submit supporting documentation. Proper documentation would include: a recent closing statement, sales contract or appraisal. For more on what might affect the value of your property, visit the Cook County Assessor's website.

More questions? Bring them to the seminar Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.