How to Dispute Real Estate Tax Assessment Increases in Illinois

In Illinois, real estate is usually taxed at 33 percent of the property's market value.

In Illinois, real estate tax is assessed by local governments, such as counties, townships, municipalities and school districts. Using a two-year plan, real estate is assessed by the local government's tax assessor every other year, with taxes in the current year based on the previous year's real estate assessment. With the exception of farmland and real estate in Cook County, most Illinois land is taxed at 33 percent of its market value. This assessed value can be challenged by property owners by filing an informal or formal appeal.

Instructions

1. Determine the market value of the real estate property by contacting a professional appraiser to assess the value of the home. If the real estate was purchased within the two-year tax cycle, property owners can dispute the real estate assessment by proving the deed or contract of sale. Keep all records, such as an official property appraisal, deeds or contracts of sale as evidence.

2. Identify the median level for the property value in the county or local government. Research this by checking the town, city or county 's current tax year records, which are available online at the county or local government's tax assessment website. Take photographs of the properties and make copies of records for evidence in filing the claim.

3. Find out the assessment of neighboring real estate. If the properties in the neighboring area are being assessed for a higher price, there may be an error in the assessment of your property. Neighboring property assessment is a public record and can be obtained at the county or local government tax assessment website. As needed, make copies of all pertinent records.

4. Informally appeal the property assessment. In most counties or local governments, a phone call to the property assessor can start an informal appeal process, although some counties and local governments require the complaint to be in written form. If the assessor agrees with the error, the assessment can be fixed without the need for a formal complaint.

5. Formally appeal the property assessment. In Illinois, a written appeal must be made the the county or local government's tax board of review. Forms, guidelines and deadlines for appeals can be found at the local government's tax assessment office website. Fill out the form PTAX-230, which is referred to as a Non-Farm Assessment Complaint, and provide evidence, such as a copy of the property assessment, a photograph of the property, an official appraisal of the property, photographs of neighboring properties and their property appraisal records, a copy of the deed or contract of sale for the property and a list of sales of comparable properties in the area.

References

• Bank Rate: State Taxes Illinois
• Illinois Department of Revenue: Property Tax Appeals