Property Tax Appeal

Susan Moylan-KreyMaine Township Appeal Dates and Calendar


Each year, you have two opportunities to appeal your property taxes:

  1. Cook County Assessor Appeal – The first opportunity is to file an appeal with the Cook County Assessor.
  2. Cook County Board of Review Appeal – If needed, a second opportunity is available through the Cook County Board of Review.

Cook County Assessor Appeal

The Cook County Assessor determines when Maine Township opens for appeals. Click the button below to view the most recent assessment calendar:

Cook County Assessor Appeal Deadline Calendar

Cook County Board of Review Appeal
Once the Cook County Assessor’s appeal window closes, the Cook County Board of Review begins its process. Click the button below after the Assessor’s appeal period ends to view the most recent Board of Review assessment calendar:

 Cook County Board of Review Appeal Deadline Calendar

Important Information About Appealing Your Property Assessment

The Cook County Assessor reassesses properties every three years. During that time, Triennial Reassessment notices will be mailed to all residents in Maine Township. This notice should reflect the estimated Fair Market Value of your home based on mass appraisal system to produce property values. For residential properties, in most cases, this assessment will remain the same for three years. During non-triennial years, no notices are mailed but residents can file an appeal while Maine Township is open.

If residents do not file an appeal to the Cook County Assessor, or if they are not satisfied with their decision, an appeal may be filed to the Cook County Board of Review.  

The final opportunity to appeal is to the Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB). Residents that filed an appeal to the Board of Review and are unhappy with the decision may contact PTAB directly.

When Do I File an Appeal?

Appeals can only be filed during the official “open” appeal period, which is determined by the Cook County Assessor or the Cook County Board of Review. The township will announce when appeals are open. 

If you feel your assessment is incorrect, you have the right to file an appeal. The most common reasons to file an appeal are:

  1. Lack of Uniformity – “like type” of properties (similar square footage, age, and construction), in the same neighborhood and property class, are assessed less.
  2. Overvaluation – if you purchased a home in a recent arms’ length (open market) sale and the purchase price is less than your current Estimated Market Value or you have had an appraisal you may file an appeal. Supporting documentation, such as a Settlement Statement from the closing within the last three years or a USPAP-compliant appraisal within the last 18 months can be used to support an appeal.
  3. Major Error in Property Description – If an error such as incorrect square footage, classification, or an error that may affect the market value, an appeal should be filed. Minor errors such as the number of bedrooms or bathrooms may not indicate an incorrect assessment.
How do I file an Appeal?

If you believe your residential property assessment is incorrect, you have several options to file an appeal:

  1. Get Assistance from the Maine Township Assessor's Office:
    • The best way to reach us is by downloading and completing the Maine Township Intake Appeal Request Form. The form will be available online only when we are open for appeals.
    • If you are unable to complete the form, you may call us at 224-257-4830. Please leave a message with your name, address, telephone number, Property Index Number (PIN), email, and a brief description of your request.
    • Please do not call more than once. Due to the high volume of calls, we cannot return all calls immediately, and repeat requests will slow down the process.
  2. File an Appeal Online Yourself:
    • You can submit your appeal directly through the official (Cook County Assessor or Board of Review) online portal.
  3. Hire an Attorney:
    • If you prefer, you have the right to hire an attorney to assist with your appeal.
Maine Township Intake Appeal Request Form - will be available when we are open for appeals


Condominium

As a homeowner of a condominium, you have the right to file an appeal however it is often better for the property tax appeal to be filed as a group on behalf of all units to ensure uniformity and often has better results.  Maine Township is not given individual characteristics for condominiums. We suggest you contact your management company or the president of the association to see if they are planning on filing an appeal as an entirety. You may file your individual appeal as an owner. 

Workshops

Frequently, Maine Township will partner with the Cook County Assessor and/or the Cook County Board of Review to offer workshops on how taxpayers can appeal their assessments. These seminars are very informative in explaining the tax cycle and how to properly appeal your assessments. All information will be posted on the front page of our website.  

Maine Township Neighborhood Map

Click on the link below to see how each neighborhood has been defined by the Cook County Assessor.

Maine Township Neighborhood Map