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How to Present a Case Based
on Lack of Uniformity
Are there properties in your neighborhood with similar
characteristics that have a lower assessment?
Residential property owners do not need an attorney
to appeal their assessments and may represent themselves.
To assist you, we offer the following suggestions:
You can support your complaint by submitting
evidence of properties with similar characteristics
to yours that have lower assessments. Similar properties
must be:
- Preferably on your own block; may also be a block
or two away, must be within your neighborhood.
- Similar to yours in size, type of construction,
age, construction materials, and general condition.
For example, if your property class is a 2-03 (small
ranch house or bungalow),
your comparables should be 2-03’s.
You should have 3 to 5 similar properties for
evidence. Your documentation of lack of uniformity should
be presented in the following manner:
- Bring or mail the addresses, Permanent Index Numbers,
the assessed values and photos of these properties,
as well as yours, to your hearing at the Board of
Review.
- You may obtain the Permanent Index Numbers
for the addresses of your comparables from the
Cook County Assessor's Office (County Building,
118 N. Clark Street, Room 320, Chicago, (312)
603-7550 or if you live in the suburbs, from your
local Township Assessor. You may also use the
Assessor’s website at www.cookcountyassessor.com.
- Once you have the Permanent Index Numbers of
the properties similar to your own, you can look
up their assessed values. You may do this by using
the Assessor's web site www.cookcountyassessor.com.
- Photos of the front and rear of your property
are required. Photos of comparable properties
are very helpful to your case. Since it would
be impossible for the board’s decision-makers
to visit each appealed property, these pictures
can help prove your case.
- The best way to present this data is to staple or
glue the picture(s) to the “Appeal Based on
Lack of Uniformity” form or to a standard 8-1/2”
x 11” sheet of paper. Beneath the picture(s)
you should write the address, Permanent Index Numbers
and assessed value of property shown. Show the land
and improvement breakdown as well as the total. Remember
to include all of the above for your property as well.
Information from the Assessor’s website may
be printed out and attached.
If lack of uniformity does exist between your property
and similar properties, you will have a much better
chance at a reduction from the Board of Review if you
present your case in a well documented and orderly manner.
If you need help finding comparables, our staff can
assist you.
Remember, however, that the Board is required by law
to take into account what properties in your neighborhood
(including your own property) have been selling for
in making a final decision on what your assessment should
be.
If you have any questions on how to appeal your assessment,
please do not hesitate to contact us at our main office,
or one of our suburban branch office locations. We are
eager to serve you.
Thank you,
Commissioner
Commissioner Commissioner
Joseph Berrios
Brendan Houlihan
Larry R. Rogers, Jr.
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