How to Lower Your Cook County Property Taxes the Smart Way If you’re a homeowner or property owner in Cook County, chances are you’ve looked at your property tax bill and thought: “This can’t be right.” You’re not alone. Many people are overpaying simply because their property was assessed too high—and they didn’t know how to challenge it. Here’s the good news: there’s a second chance to fight back, and it’s called the Cook County Board of Review. At Aaron Fox Law, we often call this step the “hidden secret” of reducing your taxes. Most people stop after the first appeal to the Assessor’s Office, but many of the biggest savings happen at the Board of Review. This post will walk you through the process—from important deadlines to how to build a strong case—so you can increase your chances of winning. What Is the Cook County Board of Review? The Board of Review is an independent government agency that handles property tax appeals after the Assessor’s Office has made its decision. If you missed your first chance—or didn’t get the result you hoped for—you can still appeal here. The Board reviews evidence and arguments to decide if your property was fairly assessed. If they agree it was too high, they can lower your property’s assessed value—which means lower taxes for you. Step-by-Step: How the Board of Review Appeal Works 1. Know When to File The Board of Review opens appeals on a rolling schedule based on your township. You’ll have about 30 days to file once your township’s appeal window opens. This schedule changes every year, so it’s important to check the Board’s website—or work with a property tax attorney who tracks the deadlines for you. 2. File Your Appeal You can file your appeal online. You’ll need to provide: At this point, you’re officially telling the Board you think your property has been assessed too high. 3. Build Your Case With Evidence This is the most important part of the appeal. To win, you’ll need strong evidence showing your property is worth less than the Assessor says. Here are a few ways to do that: Most homeowners lose their appeals because they don’t submit enough proof. Don’t make that mistake—be specific and detailed. What Happens Next? After you submit your appeal and evidence, the Board will review your case and issue a decision, which usually takes a few months. You don’t need to attend a hearing yourself—if one is scheduled, your attorney can appear and present on your behalf. If your appeal is approved, you’ll get a notice in the mail with your new, lower assessed value. That means a lower tax bill in the next cycle. Why This Step Is Often Overlooked Many people think the Assessor’s Office appeal is their only shot. But the Board of Review is completely separate and often more flexible when it comes to considering evidence. That’s why we call it a “hidden secret”—too many people stop too soon. In fact, many of our clients at Aaron Fox Law have saved thousands of dollars just by taking that second step and appealing to the Board of Review. Why Work With a Property Tax Attorney? The Board of Review process can be confusing, and deadlines are easy to miss. A skilled attorney knows exactly how to build a strong case, collect the right comps, and make the best argument on your behalf. To save yourself time and stress—it’s smart to get help. At Aaron Fox Law, we focus on helping Cook County property owners like you reduce your tax bills with smart, aggressive appeals. To learn how we can help, contact a trusted Cook County property tax Attorney for a free consultation. Final Thoughts If you think your property taxes are too high, you’re probably right. And even if you’ve already filed with the Assessor’s Office, the Board of Review gives you another chance to fight for what’s fair. Don’t let high taxes go unchallenged. Learn the system, gather strong evidence, and take action. With the right help, winning at the Board of Review is possible—and worth it. Have questions or need help filing your appeal? Reach out to Aaron Fox Law today. We’re ready to help you lower your taxes and keep more money in your pocket.

How to Ensure You Gext the Property Tax Relief You Deserve As a property owner in Cook County, one of the best ways to reduce your property tax burden is by applying for exemptions. These exemptions can lower the taxable value of your property, which directly affects how much you pay in taxes. But applying for these exemptions isn’t always straightforward, and many homeowners make mistakes that can lead to missed savings. Whether it’s misfiling, missing deadlines, or not updating changes in occupancy, there are several common pitfalls property owners face when applying for exemptions. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top exemption mistakes to avoid and provide tips on how to make sure you don’t miss out on the property tax relief you deserve. 1. Misfiling Exemption Applications The first and most common mistake property owners make is filing their exemption applications incorrectly. Filing an application with missing information or inaccurate details can delay your exemption or even result in a denial. Common issues: How to avoid it: 2. Missing Deadlines Another costly mistake is missing the filing deadlines for your exemptions. Cook County has strict deadlines for property tax exemption applications, and if you miss them, you will then need to apply for a Certificate of Error – which means the savings will not show up on your tax bill, but they will have to issue you a refund check  Unfortunately, deadlines aren’t flexible, and submitting an application late could mean waiting until the next tax year to reapply. Common issues: How to avoid it: 3. Not Updating Changes in Occupancy Many exemptions, like the General Homestead Exemption, are only available if the property is your primary residence. If there are changes in how you use the property—such as renting out part of your home or moving to a different property—you may need to update your exemption status. Failing to report these changes can lead to fines and interest penalties. Common issues: How to avoid it: 4. Failing to Reapply for Exemptions Each Year Some exemptions, like the Senior Freeze Exemption, require homeowners to reapply every year. If you forget to reapply or don’t submit the necessary paperwork, you could lose your exemption for the upcoming year, which may result in a higher tax bill. Common issues: How to avoid it: 5. Not Seeking Professional Help When Needed If the exemption process seems confusing or if you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help. While you can file exemptions on your own, there’s always a risk of making an error. A Cook County property tax Attorney can help you navigate the application process, ensure all forms are filled out correctly, and even help you reapply for exemptions if your application is denied. Common issues: How to avoid it: Conclusion Applying for property tax exemptions is one of the best ways to reduce your tax burden, but many property owners make common mistakes that can prevent them from receiving the relief they deserve. To avoid these pitfalls, be sure to file your applications correctly, meet deadlines, update your exemption status when needed, and seek help if necessary. If you’re unsure about the exemption process or need assistance, contact a Cook County property taxes Attorney today. At Aaron Fox Law, we can help you navigate the complexities of the property tax exemption system and ensure that you’re receiving the full benefits you qualify for.