Instead of removing appliances to make a home seem uninhabitable, there are legal ways to lower a property’s assessment which in turn may reduce taxes.

Accurate Property Information

Taxpayers should make sure the Cook County Tax Assessor’s office has the correct information on their property. This information can be accessed online or by contacting the tax assessor’s office.

Property owners should double check that the information on the property includes:

  • Correct square footage
  • Accurate room counts
  • Proper designation of finished or unfinished space

Zoning Information

Property owners should also ensure the zoning information is correct. It should note anything that might impact the buildable area on the property including:

  • A conservation space
  • A drainage easement
  • A utility easement
  • Amenities such as fencing, sheds, and pools

Comparable Properties

The next step to take is to check out how much neighboring homes are paying in property taxes. This information is available on many websites. However, people should make sure the homes used for comparison are similar in terms of size, number of rooms, age, etc.

Incentives

Another way to lower property taxes is to tap into local laws and incentives. Illinois property tax relief includes:

  • Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program
  • Long-time occupant exemptions
  • Exemptions for people with disabilities
  • Veterans with Disabilities Exemption for Specially-Adapted Housing
  • Homestead Improvement Exemption
  • Low-income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption
  • Non-homestead Exemptions for Religious, Charitable, or Educational Organizations

Some municipalities also offer incentives for properties that utilize green technology such as solar panels.

Property taxes unappealing? KSN can help.

Appealing your Illinois property taxes is one way to ensure that the amount you pay is fair whether you live in the north/northwest Chicago suburbs, south/southwest Chicago suburbs, or in the City of Chicago.

Since 2015, KSN has worked diligently to save our clients over $150 million in reduced property tax assessments. We handle property tax appeals from start to finish for every type of property including:

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no legal fees unless an assessment reduction is achieved.

Questions about our property tax appeal services? Contact us by calling 847-537-0500 or by visiting www.ksnlaw.com/tax-appeal.

 

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