The equalization factor is a multiplier used to ensure that the total equalized value, or EAV, of real estate property in all Illinois counties equals 33 1/3 percent of the fair market value. This process is known as inter-county equalization. Each county is assigned its own equalization factor. The equalization factor does not cause taxes to go up or down.

Why Illinois Uses an Equalization Factor

To fairly implement certain state statutes, the State of Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) calculates an equalization factor for each county. The assessed valuation of property is used to calculate formulas for education, transportation and public assistance grants to local jurisdictions. Some state statutes limit property tax rates or bonded indebtedness to local governments, which relate to assessed value. These must be equalized for statutes to apply equally in counties throughout the state.

This is especially important in Cook County, which differs from the other 101 counties in Illinois in how it classifies and assesses different types of property, i.e., commercial, industrial and residential, at varying levels set in the county ordinance.

How Equalization Factor is Calculated

IDOR calculates the equalization factor for each county annually by looking at multi-year comparisons of property assessments and sales prices. It uses this assessment/sales ratio study to do some computations of a three-year adjusted average for the countywide median ratio, which is then weighted by class of property. This is the equalization factor.

After public hearings on the equalization factor, and after the Board of Review releases its final assessments for a given assessment year, the IDOR sends its certified equalization factor to the Cook County Clerk, which applies that factor to the final assessed values of properties. That value is called the equalized assessed value, or EAV.

That EAV for residential properties includes any of the exemption that homeowner qualifies for, such as the homestead exemption or senior exemption.

To help taxpayers learn more about the equalization factor, Publication 136 from the Illinois Department of Revenue provides additional information.

 

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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