Should You Hire a Lawyer to Appeal?

How to Decide if Legal Assistance is Right for Your Property Tax Appeal

If you’ve received a property tax assessment notice in Cook County that seems too high, you might be considering appealing it. After all, who wants to pay more taxes than necessary? The good news is that you have the option to appeal the assessment, which could result in a lower tax bill.

But here’s the big question: Should you hire a lawyer to help with the appeal, or can you do it yourself? The decision depends on several factors, including the value of your property, the complexity of the appeal, and your comfort level with handling the process.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key considerations that can help you decide whether hiring a Cook County property tax Attorney is the right choice for you.

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1. Property Value: How Much Are You Really Paying?

The first thing to think about when deciding whether to hire a lawyer is the value of your property. If your property is worth a lot of money, you may want to consider getting professional help, especially if the potential savings are significant. For example, if your property is worth $1 million and you’re paying thousands of dollars in property taxes each year, even a small reduction in the assessed value could lead to substantial tax savings.

What to consider:

• Potential savings: If your property taxes are high and you stand to save a large amount of money by lowering your assessment, hiring a lawyer may be worth it. They’ll know how to present the strongest case and maximize your savings.
  
• Small properties: Even if your property is lower in value, it may have a high tax rate—so a small reduction in your assessed value can lead to significant savings. In some straightforward cases, self-representation might still work, but don’t overlook the potential value of a professional review.

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2. Appeal Complexity: How Difficult Is Your Case?

Property tax appeals vary in complexity. Some cases are straightforward, while others require a more detailed approach, including gathering evidence, analyzing comparable sales data and comparable assessed valuation data

 or even addressing issues like income capitalization or vacancy for commercial properties. The more complex your case is, the more beneficial it may be to hire a lawyer.

What to consider:

• Simple appeals: Some appeals may seem straightforward, but even cases involving incorrect square footage can be complex. You’ll need strong evidence, proper documentation, and carefully completed forms to prompt a reassessment. While it’s possible to handle this yourself, professional help can make the process smoother and more effective.
  
• Complicated appeals: If your property has unique characteristics, or if you’re dealing with a commercial property that involves more complicated valuation methods (such as income capitalization), the appeal process may be more difficult. A Cook County property taxes Attorney can help you gather the right evidence, analyze complex data, and present a solid case.
  

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3. Time and Effort: How Much Are You Willing to Invest?

Filing a property tax appeal isn’t as simple as filling out a form. It takes time and effort to gather the necessary documentation, research comparable sales, comparable assessed valuations and submit your appeal before the deadline. If you don’t have the time or inclination to manage this on your own, hiring a lawyer can save you from having to deal with all the paperwork and deadlines.

What to consider:

• Time constraints: Property tax appeal deadlines can be strict, and missing them could mean losing your chance to appeal for an entire year. If you have a busy schedule or are unsure about the timing, an attorney can help ensure everything is filed on time.
  
• Effort required: If you’re not familiar with property tax law or the appeal process, it can be overwhelming. A lawyer can take care of the heavy lifting and make sure your appeal is filed correctly with the right evidence.
  

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4. Risk Tolerance: What’s at Stake?

When deciding whether to hire a lawyer, it’s important to assess your risk tolerance. If you represent yourself and your appeal is unsuccessful, your property taxes will remain the same. On the other hand, if you hire a lawyer and the appeal is successful, you could save money on your taxes.

However, the process is not without risks. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you might not see any change in your assessment. Hiring a seasoned lawyer can make a big difference. They know the ins and outs of the process, how to argue your case, and how to present strong evidence to support it.

What to consider:

• Risk of failure: If you’re comfortable with the possibility of your appeal being denied, self-representing might be okay. However, if you’re risk-averse and want to maximize your chances of success, a lawyer could be your best bet.
  
• Financial stakes: The potential savings from a successful appeal may justify the cost of hiring a lawyer, especially if your property taxes are high or the case is complicated.
  

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5. Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Appeal

Here are a few additional reasons why hiring a Cook County property taxes Attorney can be a smart decision:

• Focused Knowledge: Lawyers who focus on property tax law and understand the ins and outs of the assessment and appeal process. They know what evidence is needed and how to present it effectively.
  
• Access to Resources: An attorney can help you access better data, like comparable sales and assessment data or a professional appraisal, that can strengthen your appeal.
  
• Negotiation Skills: If your appeal goes to a hearing, a lawyer can represent you, present your case, and negotiate for the best possible outcome.
  
• Peace of Mind: Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on other important aspects of your life or business, knowing that the appeal process is in good hands.
  

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6. When Self-Representation May Be Sufficient

On the other hand, there are instances where self-representation can work. If your property is modest in value and the issues with your assessment are straightforward, you might not need a lawyer. Here’s when self-representation may be an acceptable option:

• Simple assessment errors: if you are a data-nerd and love analyzing data.
  
• Low value properties: If your property’s value is low and the potential savings from an appeal are small, since you are willing to risk not getting a reduction
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Conclusion: Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Deciding whether to hire a lawyer for your property tax appeal depends on several factors, including the value of your property, the complexity of your case, how much time and effort you’re willing to invest, and your comfort with the risks involved.

If you’re dealing with a complicated case or if the stakes are high, hiring a Cook County property tax Attorney can increase your chances of success and help you secure the best outcome. At Aaron Fox Law, we focus on property tax appeals and are here to guide you through the process, from filing to hearing.

If you’re ready to take action on your property tax appeal, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you decide the best course of action and work to reduce your property tax burden.