All properties in Cook County are reassessed on a triennial schedule. Every three years, the new valuations – along with appeals, exemptions, local tax levies, and assessments of nearby properties – determine the amount of future property tax bills.
The Assessor’s Office, the Board of Review, the Cook County Clerk, and the Cook County Treasurer all play a role in the property tax system.
In addition to setting property values, the Assessor’s Office collaborates with other government agencies to stimulate economic growth, develop tax relief proposals, increase the amount of affordable housing in the county, and make the tax system more equitable.
Cook County Townships
For the purposes of reassessment scheduling, the 30 townships within Cook County are divided into three groups: north/northwest suburbs, south/southwest suburbs, and the City of Chicago.
Each township’s government provides a set of core services to its residents. These usually include road maintenance, issuance of building permits, and processing of tax exemption applications. All of these functions are financed by property tax revenue.
Some township governments offer community mental health services and social programs. They also maintain recreational areas and perform other functions beyond the core services. Property tax revenue is a source of funding for these local programs and services as well.
Taxpayers can access statistics about their township via the Cook County Assessor’s Office website, including median sales ranges for different property classes of residential real estate.
South and Southwest Suburbs
The south/southwest suburban group of Cook County includes the following 11 townships: Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Lemont, Lyons, Orland, Palos, Rich, Thornton, Worth, and Stickney.
Some municipalities in the south and southwest suburbs are located within more than one township, while others are entirely contained in one.
Here are examples of cities and villages within each township:
Bloom Township – Chicago Heights, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Lynwood, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights
Bremen Township – Tinley Park (east side), Oak Forest, Midlothian, Posen, Markham, Robbins
Calumet Township – Calumet City, Burnham
Lemont Township – Lemont (Cook County portion)
Lyons Township – Brookfield, Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, La Grange, McCook, Western Springs
Orland Township – Orland Park, Orland Hills
Palos Township – Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Hickory Hills
Rich Township – Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Matteson, Richton Park
Thornton Township – Harvey, South Holland, Dolton, Phoenix, East Hazel Crest
Worth Township – Alsip, Blue Island, Crestwood, Merrionette Park, Worth
Stickney Township – Burbank, Forest View, Stickney, Summit
Property taxes unappealing? We can help!
Appealing your property taxes is one way to ensure that the amount you pay is fair whether you live in the north/northwest suburbs, south/southwest suburbs, or in the City of Chicago.
KSN can prepare your property tax appeal and handle it from start to finish. We understand local appeal procedures to help homeowners avoid being overburdened with property taxes.
KSN has no fee unless a reduction is obtained. And we only charge a portion of the overall tax savings secured.
Since 2015, we’ve saved Illinois property owners over $300 million in reduced property taxes.
Contact KSN today to discuss your residential or commercial property tax appeal. KSN attorney Timothy Jacobs can be reached at 847-777-7270 or tjacobs@ksnlaw.com.
Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
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