Property tax appeal process in cook county

[Ryan Bird]

I’m trying to see what’s the process for appealing tax assessments in cook county. Any attorneys who can help with it?

[Shea Murray]

@Ryan Bird I just DM'd you a Straight Up Chicago Investor podcast episode we did recently with the attorney I will connect you with. Great episode and you'll learn so much!

[John Warren]

@Ryan Bird the cook county process is a bit of a game for sure. I use an awesome attorney who stays on top of the tax deadlines, and who has successfully contested and won on multiple properties. There seem to be quite a few attorneys who just fill out the paperwork and let the chips fall where they may. I went through four attorneys before I found someone aggressive enough to get it done. I can DM you my guy if you want, but the main takeaway here is to always contest (especially in the triennial assessment years). 

[Jonathan Klemm]

@Ryan Bird - There is a plethora of attorneys that make a living doing Chicago tax appeals.  Happy to provide you with my attorney Jerry if you'd like......just shoot me a PM.

[Michael K.]

@Ryan Bird

You can also appeal your taxes on your own if you care to try. The assessor’s website even provides a tool to help you do so. You will need to identify comparable properties that have lower tax bills, and provide those as evidence that your particular properties taxes are too high. You only have a small window of time to contest each year, so it can’t be done at any old time you like. Attorneys can also do this for you and will typically charge ~1/3 of the savings you get as a result of a successful contention.

[John Warren]

@Ryan Bird what @Michael K. said is correct. When you first start out, you can even go in person to the assessor's office and they will help you for free! The thing is, as you scale up you will realize that you want an attorney. One missed deadline can cost you thousands, and let's be honest.... the attorneys know the game. The attorneys are much more likely to get a reduction than we are! 

[Theodore Floros]

Quote from @John Warren:

@Ryan Bird the cook county process is a bit of a game for sure. I use an awesome attorney who stays on top of the tax deadlines, and who has successfully contested and won on multiple properties. There seem to be quite a few attorneys who just fill out the paperwork and let the chips fall where they may. I went through four attorneys before I found someone aggressive enough to get it done. I can DM you my guy if you want, but the main takeaway here is to always contest (especially in the triennial assessment years). 

I could definitely use another referral for a good tax attorney based on the bill I just got!, your roofer was great, thanks again! 

[John Warren]

@Theodore Floros for sure. I can DM him to you. 

[Theodore Floros]

Quote from @John Warren:

@Theodore Floros for sure. I can DM him to you. 

 Thank you! Definitely need to lower my bill this year like many.  

[Jonathan B.]

@John Warren hi John also interested in getting your rec on a tax lawyer. just sent you a PM. TIA!

[John Warren]

@Jonathan B. I will introduce you guys.