Winning at the Board of Review

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.

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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.

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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:

• Your property’s PIN (Property Index Number)
  
• Contact information
  
• Basic facts about your property
  

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:

• Comparable Sales (“Comps”): Find recent sales of similar homes in your area that sold for less than your assessed value. These should be close in size, age, and style.
• Uniformity/Equity of Comparable Property Assessed Value: this is assessed valuation based on similar properties of building square footage, age, construction type.
• Error Corrections: If the Assessor’s Office made mistakes—like using the wrong square footage or saying you have a finished basement when you don’t—point them out.
• Appraisals or Repair Estimates: If your home needs major repairs, a formal appraisal can prove it’s worth less than assessed.
  

Most homeowners lose their appeals because they don’t submit enough proof. Don’t make that mistake—be specific and detailed.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.