Monthly Archives: August 2015

Cook County Condo Association Property Tax Appeals

Cook County Condo Property Tax AppealIf you own a condominium in Cook County, you’re entitled to appeal your property taxes with the Assessor’s Office and Board of Review just like any other homeowner. However, there are a few key differences and best practices that will help you ensure a maximum property tax reduction.

Agreement Approval

Condo property tax appeals generally need to be done on behalf of the condo association. An officer of the homeowner’s association needs to commission the appeal, with either the condo board’s approval by a 2/3 vote, or by the vote of a majority of the unit owners, in order to move forward with an appeal.

Condo Property Tax Appeal Best Practices

As for homeowners, the following property tax appeal practices apply in order to receive a maximum reduction:

Kensington Research has helped achieve tax relief for over 10,000 condo and homeowners in Cook County since 1999.

Contact us today to learn more about appealing your condo property taxes

Chicago Property Tax Hike: Getting Closer…

Chicago Property Tax Hike: Getting Closer...We’ve all heard about the City of Chicago’s proposed property tax increase to cover a gaping hole in the budget.

As Thomas Corfman of Crains Chicago reported on July 29, 2015, more and more city aldermen are getting on board the property tax hike train, which could amount to $250 million: a 32% year-over-year increase from the property tax levy in 2014.

An excerpt of his article:

“‘In normal times there would be mighty resistance (to a big property tax hike), but the aldermen and public as a whole have become educated as to just how dire the city’s financial situation is,’ said Ald. Joe Moore, 49th, who was elected in 1991 and ranks third in seniority on the council. ‘While there will still be considerable political blowback on a property tax vote, I don’t think it is fatal because the alternatives are worse.’

“Support for a city income tax as an alternative to a property tax hike is growing, said Ald. Roderick Sawyer, who represents the 6th Ward on the South Side. But such a solution would require a change in state law, and wouldn’t come quickly, if at all. In the meantime, while smaller tax hikes and budget savings will help, consensus is growing on the council that a big property tax hike will be necessary, aldermen say.”

Never a Better Time to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

The above serves as yet another reminder to appeal your property tax assessment, both at the Cook County Assessor’s Office and at the Board of Review. If you don’t, you may pay more than your fair share of property taxes.

Contact us to get a free property tax reduction estimate

Cook County Board of Review Opens 2015 Appeal Session

The Cook County Board of Review has opened the 2015 appeal session for the first group of townships. The deadline to file a complaint is 9/1/15. Below are the townships that are currently open:

  • Berwyn
  • Calumet
  • Cicero
  • Lemont
  • River Forest
  • Riverside
  • Norwood Park
  • Oak Park

Contact Us to Learn More

Why Have a Pro Review Your Property Tax Assessment

Why Have a Pro Appeal Your Property TaxesAs always, Cook County property taxes are on the rise and the only way to combat that dreaded second installment tax bill is by lowering your property tax assessment.

In a perfect world, you’d have time to handle the stress of the job, family responsibilities and right on time drop off an expertly formulated argument for a reduction in total assessment without breaking a sweat.

The only problem: we don’t live in a perfect world and everyday demands come before we consider our property tax bills, until July first rolls around and it’s too late by then. Now you can get rid of the hassle and the frustration of this process by hiring a company to handle this annoying but necessary task.

Don’t Pay More than You Have To

Having a professional company review your property tax assessment annually is your best bet to ensure that you’re fairly assessed and aren’t paying more in property taxes than you have to.

When looking for a professional company to hire, consider:

  • How long they’ve been in business
  • Their success rate
  • Their reputation

Professionals with years of expertise will know the best strategy to use when appealing your property taxes and what exemptions you should be aware of for even more savings on the second installment.

No Risk

If you’re not sure whether there’s an argument to make for appealing your property tax assessment, it won’t cost you anything for most professionals to perform an analysis on your home or any additional properties you may own because they work on contingency.

All it takes is a few minutes to fill in some basic information and within 24 hours they will contact you with the results of our analysis. If there is an argument to be made, and you’re interested in using us, our property tax appeal service will appeal on your behalf on a contingency basis: no costs up front.

Avoid Wasting Time

Kensington is in the business of successfully appealing property tax assessments with special expertise in Cook County. We handle the paperwork and manage the deadlines so you don’t have to. No one wants to spend their precious free time tracking appeal deadline dates, finding comparable properties or “comps,” or waiting around in county offices.

Because property tax assessments and policies change annually, let a professional at least review your total assessment every year. Click on the link at the bottom for a free analysis from a company who is in the business of making sure you’re not paying more in property taxes than you have to and who wants to keep your free time free for what is really important to you.

Contact us to for a complimentary property tax assessment

Cook County Triennial Assessments: What You Should Know

Cook County Triennial AssessmentsDid you know that properties in each Cook County township are re-assessed every three years (they refer to this as the “triennial re-assessment)?

Here’s what these triennial assessments mean for you:

  • If you’re in the first year of a triennial re-assessment period, it’s critical that you appeal your property taxes right away as the results will affect you for the next three years
  • If you haven’t appealed your property taxes in the last three years, you may be able to achieve hundreds or thousands of dollars in property tax reductions if you appeal this year
  • If you’ve appealed sometime in the last three years and haven’t been re-assessed since, there’s still an opportunity to achieve a further property tax reduction as other property tax variables change each year (many other properties are sold/purchased and appealed)
  • If you’ve appealed this year with the Assessor’s Office, you may be able to achieve further property tax reductions by also appealing with the Cook County Board of Review
  • Click here for the most recent Cook County triennial assessment calendar

Contact us to learn more about triennial assessments and appealing your Cook County property taxes