Property / Tax Appeals
Contest property tax assessments, real estate valuations, and assessment errors across all US states. Save money with a professional property tax appeal letter.
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What is a property tax appeal?
A property tax appeal is a formal challenge to the assessed value of your property as determined by your local tax assessor. If your property is overassessed, you may be paying more in property taxes than you legally owe.
How to appeal your property tax assessment
Property tax appeal deadlines are strict and vary by state — typically between 30 and 90 days from when you receive your assessment notice. In many states, the deadline is May 15 or within 30 days of the assessment notice. Missing this deadline usually means waiting until next year.
Grounds for a property tax appeal
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1
The assessed value is higher than your property’s actual market value
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2
Errors in property description (wrong size, number of bedrooms, lot size)
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3
Comparable properties in your area are assessed at lower values
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4
Recent damage or deterioration not reflected in the assessment
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5
Incorrect exemptions not applied (senior, veteran, homestead)
Property / Tax Appeals in Illinois
Property owners in Illinois often face the challenge of high property tax assessments, which can lead to significant financial burdens. Issues such as overvaluation, unequal assessments compared to similar properties, or errors in property records are common grounds for appeal. Understanding the property tax appeal process in Illinois is crucial for ensuring fair taxation and potentially reducing your tax liability. The state provides a multi-level system for challenging assessments, offering property owners avenues for redress.
The primary legislation governing property taxation and appeals in Illinois is the Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/). This comprehensive code outlines the assessment process, exemptions, and the procedures for appealing assessments. Specifically, Section 35 ILCS 200/16-165 mandates that the Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) supply forms for appeal. Illinois law provides a three-level appeal process: first to the local assessor, then to the County Board of Review, and finally to the PTAB. Recent updates, such as the requirement for attorney-represented appellants to file through an eFiling Portal effective July 1, 2023, streamline the process in Illinois.
For property tax appeals, the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) is the independent state agency that hears appeals from decisions of county boards of review. Their website (ptab.illinois.gov) provides forms and detailed information on the appeal process. You can contact the PTAB at 217-782-6076. The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) also provides guidance on property tax assessments and appeals. Local county assessors' offices and Boards of Review are the initial points of contact for disputes. The Illinois Attorney General's office typically does not handle individual property tax appeals but may address broader issues of governmental fraud. These bodies ensure fair property taxation in Illinois.
To appeal your property tax assessment in Illinois, first contact your local assessor's office to discuss your assessment. Next, if unsatisfied, file an appeal with your County Board of Review within their specific deadlines, usually 30 days after assessment notices are mailed. If still unresolved, file an appeal with the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board. Most appeals are resolved within 90 to 180 days. Providing strong comparable sales data and evidence of errors is vital. Use the petition generator above to create a tax appeal letter in under two minutes.