Hidden Disparities: Why Low-Income Homeowners Rarely Appeal Their Property Taxes (and How to Change That)

Property taxes in Cook County are one of the biggest bills homeowners face every year. These taxes fund schools, parks, police, fire departments, and many other services that keep communities running. But sometimes the amount homeowners are asked to pay isn’t fair. That’s where property tax appeals come in.

Appeals can lower your taxable value, which may reduce the amount of money you owe. Here’s the problem: not everyone is filing them. Wealthier homeowners and large commercial property owners appeal their assessments far more often than people in low-income neighborhoods. That creates a hidden disparity in who benefits from the system.

Who Appeals and Who Doesn’t

Studies show that homeowners in low-income neighborhoods are much less likely to appeal their assessments. Meanwhile, big commercial property owners are filing appeals regularly – and they are getting major reductions. In fact, some reports show billions of dollars in tax relief going to commercial property owners, while homeowners in struggling neighborhoods miss out.

This doesn’t mean low-income homeowners don’t have grounds to appeal. In fact, many do. But they often don’t take the step to challenge their assessments. When fewer appeals are filed, the unfair burden continues year after year.

Why Property Tax Appeals Matter

Every property in Cook County is assessed by the Assessor’s Office. That assessment is supposed to represent the fair market value of your property. But assessments are not always accurate. Sometimes the Assessor’s Office uses outdated information. Other times, homes are compared with “comps” that don’t make sense for the neighborhood.

If your property is assessed too high, your tax bill will also be too high. Appealing gives you the chance to show why your property’s value is less than what the county says it is. Successful appeals can lower your tax bill and make sure you’re paying only your fair share.

For homeowners living paycheck to paycheck, every dollar counts. An appeal could mean saving hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars over time. That money could be used for groceries, medicine, home repairs, or education.

What Stops People From Appealing

If appeals are so important, why don’t more homeowners in low-income areas file them? There are several reasons:

• Lack of awareness: Many homeowners don’t know that appealing is even an option. Others assume that the county’s decision is final.
  
• Confusing process: The appeal system has rules, deadlines, and forms that can feel overwhelming. Without help, it’s easy to make mistakes or give up.
  
• Doubt: Some people don’t believe appeals really work for them. They may feel the system is stacked against them.
  
• Access to resources: Wealthier homeowners may hire professionals to handle appeals. Low-income homeowners often try to figure it out on their own—or don’t try at all.
  

These barriers combine to create an unfair gap in who actually gets tax relief.

How the Assessor’s Office Handles Appeals

The Cook County Assessor’s Office has clear rules for appeals. Homeowners can look up their property online using their Property Index Number (PIN). From there, they can check the county’s data—like square footage, number of rooms, or building type. If the county has incorrect information, that’s a strong reason to appeal.

Appeals must be filed within certain windows of time. Each township in Cook County has its own schedule, so homeowners need to watch for deadlines. Appeals can include photos, property records, or examples of nearby homes with lower assessments.

If the appeal is denied, homeowners still have another option: filing with the Cook County Board of Review. This second level of appeal is independent from the Assessor’s Office and gives homeowners another chance to lower their assessment.

Steps Homeowners Can Take

Low-income homeowners can take steps to close the gap and get the same benefits others are receiving:

1. Check your assessment: Look up your property online and make sure the details are correct. Even small errors, like the wrong lot size or missing exemptions, can make a big difference.
   
2. Mark your calendar: Stay aware of deadlines. Each township’s appeal window is posted online, and missing the dates can mean waiting another year.
   
3. Gather evidence: Take photos, review sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, and collect documents that show why your property is worth less than the assessment.
   
4. Ask for help: If the process feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Community workshops, local organizations, and experienced attorneys can all provide guidance.
   

Why Legal Help Matters

For many homeowners, the biggest barrier is confidence. The appeal system can feel like a maze of rules and technical language. Having a professional by your side changes that. A skilled attorney understands how assessments are calculated, what evidence carries the most weight, and how to meet all filing requirements.

Working with a law firm like Aaron Fox Law can level the playing field. Instead of going up against the county alone, homeowners have an advocate who knows the system and fights for fairness. If you’re worried you may be paying too much in property taxes, consulting with a Cook County property tax attorney can help you protect your rights and potentially lower your bill.

Closing the Gap

Everyone deserves a fair assessment, no matter where they live. Yet today, low-income homeowners are carrying a heavier tax load simply because they appeal less often. Changing this means increasing awareness, simplifying the process, and making sure help is available for those who need it.

Homeownership is already one of the biggest financial challenges families face. Paying more than your fair share in property taxes should not be part of the struggle. By learning how to appeal, or by getting help from a trusted legal professional, you can take control of your tax bill and keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs: with your family.