Property Tax Appeals

Ensure your clients know how to appeal their property tax assessments to avoid overpaying. Here is a streamlined overview and a collection of talking points, quick links and resources detailing how to work with your clients on what can be a complicated issue.

The Chicago REALTORS®’ GUIDE TO HELPING YOUR CLIENTS WITH PROPERTY TAX APPEALS

  1. STEP 1: Check if your township is “open for appeals.” An appeal can only be filed during certain timeframes. Starting a file before your township is open may result in a deleted file. Pay attention to any and all deadlines!
  2. STEP 2: Have an email address ready to create an account. A Filing ID and Docket Number will be created and emailed to you for your filing record.
  3. STEP 3: Begin your appeals application. You can save a draft to return to, modify and upload attachments before submitting your application.
  4. STEP 4: Submit the application. You will receive an initial email confirming your submission and a second email containing your appeal docket number used to reference your appeal. The results of your application will be sent by mail. 
Get Started With An Appeal
About the Online Appeals Tool

In May 2020, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas released an online property tax refund tool, enabling taxpayers to file electronically instead of downloading a form and mailing it in. In the new system, taxpayers can search for refunds by property address, select the application button to submit their claim and submit supporting documentation, if necessary.

View the system or file your property tax refund online at cookcountytreasurer.com.

    Many tax professionals can assist your clients with the appeals process. Explore a directory that includes Chicago REALTOR® members who are property tax professionals.

    Quick Links & Resources

    Important Property Tax Appeal Facts

    • Properties in Cook County are reassessed every three years, and property taxes are based on these assessments.
    • By appealing your assessment, you may be able to significantly reduce your property tax bill.
    • Once assessment notices are mailed, by township, a property owner has 30 days to file an appeal.
    • If unsuccessful at the Assessor’s office, owners can appeal once more to the Board of Review, which follows another schedule.
    • There is no cost to a property owner to file an appeal.
    • When you appeal to the Assessor or Board of Review, there is no chance an assessment will be increased as a result of an appeal. In other words, there is no penalty; when an owner appeals, the assessment will either remain the same or be lowered.

    To download your tax bill and make a payment:

    • Visit cookcountytreasurer.com
    • Select the blue box labeled “Pay Online for Free”
    • Enter your address or 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN)

    You can also use cookcountytreasurer.com to:

    • Search millions of dollars in available refunds.
    • Check if you are missing out on millions in property tax exemptions, which would lower your tax bill.
    • Read the Pappas Studies, a series of research projects that includes a 20-year history of Cook County property taxes.