August 13, 2018
Part 2 of a series (Go to Part 1) 

If you've already committed to the effort of appealing your property assessment to lower your taxes, you have access to the pdf or paper forms from the Cook County Assessor's Office (CCAO) or are about to file these via the online method (also via CCAO), then you might need some help filling out the form, and, if you think it would be helpful or warranted, look for comparable properties.

First, I suggest you go to a workshop held by any number of City offices or organizations. Part 1 outlines this. If there are none in your area and/or you are down to wire, then the internet is your friend right now and there are few things that are helpful to know before submitting your appeal.

If you have been to a workshop or are knowledgeable about the appeals process and just need help finding a comparable property, then skip to Find Comparable Properties section.

Filling Out the Paper Form (not recommended)

Paper forms can be found on the CCAO website. If you can't get downtown to submit the appeal, we highly suggest you do this online under Appeals > Appeal Online. Below are basic tips on how to fill out the paper form.

• Residential Appeals Forms (single family homes)

• Condo/Co-op Appeals Forms

Disclaimer: This is not advice and we take no responsibility of how you fill out your own form. Always consult the CCAO to make sure your appeal reflects your residential information.

Non Condo "Residential Properties" - Look for the R in the upper right corner to make sure you have the correct form

Condo Properties - Look for the C in the upper right corner to make sure you have the correct form

We cannot give advice on how you fill out your form because every situation is different, so always consult the CCAO.  What I can do is tell you how I filled out my form with guidance during a CCAO workshop.

Sample Situation: I currently live in and am the owner of my single family residence in Jefferson township. I bought the property in July of 2015 and my property data from my assessment is correct, with no errors. I feel that my house is both overvalued for what others in the neighborhood recently sold for, and also not in line with other assessed values in my area.

If you could not attend a workshop, you may be interested in seeing this Facebook Live video that walks people through how to fill out the form. This was put on directly by the CCAO, the very office you are submitting your appeal to.

Finding Comparable Properties

As the CCOA will tell you (as heard in the workshop video), finding comparable properties is not required, and the analysts at the Assessor's Office will do their job and compare properties for you. And just as a reminder from Part 1, your taxes do not go up as a result of an appeal. If for some reason they don't find lower values in your area, "The worst that could happen is nothing." 

When I was in the CCAO workshop, they did not get on a computer and show you how to find a comparable property, so this can be a bit daunting, especially since the CCAO website is not very user friendly. There are, however, several ways this can be done.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert, nor am I claiming this method will help you succeed in your appeal. Always call the CCAO to confirm.

Method 1: Go to the CCOA Site for APPEAL SEARCH

After you enter your PIN, this will get you a listing of properties on and around your block. When choosing properties to add to your appeal, MAKE SURE THEY ARE LOWER than the assessed value for your property. If you are one of the properties on the lower end, choose the few that are lower than you. You should confirm with the CCAO that these are lower than your property and they may offer suggestions if you have few options.

Method 2: Online Appeal - Use the Comparable Property link

This is the same method and will yield you similar results. So if you are appealing online, it's the same database and choices than method 1. Remember, the benefit of appealing online is that all your property details appear automagically, so if you're familiar and/or know how you plan to fill out the details of the form, it's a really quick way to appeal.

Which Comparable Properties to Choose

1. Your Neighborhood: The Chicago Board of Review website states, "Preferably on your own block; may also be a block or two away, must be within your neighborhood."

2. Your Building Type: The CBR also states, "Similar to yours in size, type of construction, age, construction materials, and general condition. For example, if your property class is a 2-03 (small ranch house or bungalow), your comparables should be 2-03’s.”

3. How many? It is suggested that you should find 4-5 comparable properties by the HCBA, although not required (1).

Here is our walk-through of finding comparable properties using the online method of appealing. You can use the tool even if you are filling out the paper form, just copy the comparable propertys' PINs on to the form in the space provided.

To understand the options of appealing your tax assessment, here are the phases, Phase 1 being the initial appeal you are filing with the CCCO now.

Phase 1 Appeal: Cook County Tax Assessor Appeal Form

Phase 2 Appeal: Cook County Commissioners Board

Phase 3 Appeal: PTAP Board (rumored to to be working on 2016 now)

As a reminder, you're appealing the 2018 value of your home, that affects the 2nd installment (July 2019) tax bill. Decision letter should be mailed out and if you are not happy with the result, you may want to move into Phase 2.

Good luck! And let us know in the comments if any of this information is helpful.

Reference + Helpful Articles

(1) Raila, Andrea. "Tips to Appeal Your Property Tax", August 13, 2018. Historic Chicago Bungalow Association. https://www.chicagobungalow.org/single-post/2018/08/13/Tips-to-Appeal-Your-Property-Tax

http://abc7chicago.com/realestate/chicago-property-taxes-may-skyrocket-but-you-can-appeal/3518167/

http://www.chicagonow.com/getting-real/2014/02/how-to-appeal-your-cook-county-property-taxes-details/

https://lifehacker.com/save-thousands-of-dollars-every-year-by-appealing-your-1592790272