Is Your Home Overvalued? How to Check Your Assessment and Fight Back

Property taxes hit homeowners hard. But here’s something many people don’t know: your home might be assessed for more than it’s actually worth. When this happens, you pay more taxes than you should.

Studies show that thousands of homes in Cook County are overassessed every year. The good news? You have the right to challenge your assessment. At Aaron Fox Law, we help homeowners pay only what they truly owe.

Understanding Cook County’s Assessment System

Cook County reassesses properties every three years. When your township comes up for reassessment, you’ll get a notice showing your home’s new estimated market value.

Here’s how it works: For homes, the assessed value equals 10% of the estimated market value. Then, the state applies an equalization factor to create your Equalized Assessed Value (EAV). After subtracting exemptions and applying your local tax rate, you get your property tax bill.

The key point: everything starts with that estimated market value. If it’s wrong, your whole tax bill will be wrong too.

Step 1: Compare Your Assessment to Reality

Start by looking up your property information on the Cook County Assessor’s website. You’ll find your current assessed value and property details there.

Next, research what similar homes in your area have sold for recently. Look for houses with similar square footage, lot size, age, and condition. Compare these numbers to your assessment.

If your home’s assessment seems higher than what comparable homes are selling for, you might have grounds for an appeal. For example, if your home is assessed at $300,000 but three similar homes on your block recently sold for around $250,000, that’s worth investigating. 

Step 2: Check for Errors in Your Property Record

Sometimes assessments are wrong because the county has incorrect information about your home. Common errors include:

• Features that don’t exist (like a pool, deck, or garage you don’t have)
• Wrong square footage measurements
• Incorrect number of bedrooms or bathrooms
• Wrong property classification
• Outdated information about renovations or damage

Check your property description carefully. Compare it to your actual home. If you spot differences, take photos and gather documentation to prove the mistakes.

Step 3: Gather Strong Evidence for Your Case

If you decide to appeal, you’ll need solid proof. Helpful materials include:

Comparable Sales: Find at least three similar homes that sold within the past year for less than your assessed value.

Lower Assessed Values: Identify at least three similar homes that have a lower assessed property value than yours.

Professional Appraisals: A recent appraisal from a licensed appraiser carries significant weight.

Photos and Documentation: Take clear pictures that show any problems with your home’s condition or prove missing features listed in county records.

Expert Reports: Reports from contractors or professionals can document issues that affect your home’s value.

Step 4: Know Your Appeal Deadlines

You typically have 45 days to file an appeal after receiving your reassessment notice. The exact deadline is printed on your notice and posted on the Assessor’s Assessment & Appeal Calendar.

Missing this deadline doesn’t end your options. You can still appeal during your township’s appeal period with the Cook County Board of Review. Additional options include the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) after local appeals are completed.

Step 5: What Happens During the Appeal Process

Once you file your appeal, the Assessor’s Office will review your evidence. They’ll compare your documentation to their records and sales data. This process can take several weeks to several months.

If your appeal succeeds, your assessed value will be reduced. This means lower property taxes going forward. If your appeal gets denied, you still have the right to appeal to the Cook County Board of Review and potentially to the state level.

You can also file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to see what evidence the Assessor used to value your property. This helps you understand their reasoning and prepare stronger future appeals.

The Value of Professional Help

Successful appeals can result in significant tax savings. Even a modest reduction in assessed value can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year in property taxes. These savings continue year after year until your next reassessment.

However, not all appeals succeed. The Assessor’s Office looks for clear evidence that your assessment is incorrect. Vague complaints rarely lead to reductions.

That’s why working with a Cook County property tax attorney can make such a difference. We know what evidence works and how to present it effectively.

How Aaron Fox Law Can Help

At Aaron Fox Law, we’ve helped thousands of Cook County homeowners reduce their property tax burden. Our process includes:

• Thorough assessment review to identify potential issues
• Evidence collection and organization
• Strategic appeal filing with all required documentation
• Ongoing case monitoring and updates

Take Action to Protect Your Wallet

Your property taxes should reflect your home’s true value, not errors or inflated assessments. By comparing your assessed value to market reality, checking for mistakes, and filing appeals when necessary, you can ensure fair treatment.

Don’t let an incorrect assessment cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars year after year. Every year, thousands of Cook County residents successfully reduce their property taxes through appeals.

Aaron Fox Law is here to guide you through every step of the process, helping you challenge unfair assessments with confidence and skill. Contact us today to learn how we can help you fight back against property tax overassessment.