What Goes into Your DuPage County Assessment
For residential properties in DuPage County, the assessed value is generally based on 33.33% of the property’s estimated market value. That figure is then adjusted by the applicable equalization factor to establish the equalized assessed value (EAV). Any exemptions for which the homeowner qualifies are deducted before local tax rates are applied to determine the final property tax bill.
The valuation process depends on the information maintained in the property’s record. Details such as living area, age, construction, improvements, and other physical characteristics can influence the county’s estimate. If those records include errors or the resulting value does not reflect the current conditions of the market, the assessment may warrant a closer look.
The Steps Involved in Challenging an Assessment
Winfield Township homeowners have an opportunity to question the value assigned to their property each year. The first step is often to review the assessment with the Winfield Township Assessor’s Office. This gives homeowners a chance to identify possible discrepancies and determine whether the valuation can be addressed at the township level.
If the issue remains unresolved, a formal appeal may be filed with the DuPage County Board of Review. The board considers the information submitted by the property owner and the assessment evidence available to the county before deciding whether a change is justified. Filing periods are limited, generally running for 30 days after the township’s assessment roll is published. Homeowners should check the current schedule, as dates may vary from year to year.
A property tax appeal concerns the assessed value of the property, not the tax rate or the amount shown on the tax bill. The goal is to demonstrate that the county’s valuation should be reconsidered based on reliable information.
The Purposes of Appeals and Exemptions
Homeowners reviewing their property taxes have two separate considerations: whether the property’s assessed value is accurate and whether they are receiving the exemptions for which they qualify. An appeal challenges the county’s valuation, while an exemption reduces a portion of the property’s EAV subject to taxation. Depending on their circumstances, homeowners may benefit from pursuing both.
Exemptions:
Exemptions provide property tax relief to homeowners who meet specific eligibility requirements. In DuPage County, the general homestead exemption can reduce the EAV of an eligible primary residence by up to $8,000. Qualifying homeowners at least 65 years of age may also be eligible for the senior citizens’ homestead exemption, which provides an additional reduction of up to $8,000. Other programs offer relief to eligible veterans, people with disabilities, and other homeowners who meet household income requirements. Because eligibility and application rules vary, homeowners should review their property tax records to confirm that applicable exemptions are in place.
Property Tax Appeals:
An assessment appeal asks the county to reconsider the value assigned to a property. Overvaluation is an issue that arises when the estimated market value exceeds what the home would reasonably sell for. Another possible issue is a lack of uniformity, occurring when a property is assessed more heavily than comparable homes in the same area. Reviewing the property’s records and weighing it with relevant sales or nearby assessments can help determine whether either issue may apply.
How to Appeal Your Property Assessment
Property owners in Addison Township can challenge an assessment through the DuPage County appeal process. An appeal focuses on the assessed value of the property, rather than directly challenging the tax rate.
A successful appeal requires evidence showing why the assessment should be changed. Depending on the circumstances, that evidence may include recent sales, comparable assessments, property records, photographs, or documented factual errors.
Like most of Illinois, Addison Township residents have only one chance to appeal their property taxes. Since they cannot protest directly to the assessor, their only option is to go before the Board of Review (BOR). Once this deadline passes, the ability to challenge an assessment is gone for another year.
June 1, 2026: Due date for first installment of property taxes
September 1, 2026: Due date for second installment of property taxes
November 23, 2026: Board of Review deadline
O’Connor Turns Assessment Concerns into a Supported Appeal
Identifying a questionable assessment is one thing; demonstrating exactly why it should be changed is another. A successful appeal needs reliable information showing that a property’s valuation may be too high or that it has been assessed unfairly compared with similar homes. This often involves examining recent sales, reviewing assessments of comparable properties, and checking the county’s records for errors in details such as square footage, improvements, or property features. Each piece of evidence must help establish a clear reason for reconsidering the valuation.
For homeowners, gathering and organizing that information can be the most demanding part of the appeal. Finding appropriate comparable properties takes research, and not every nearby sale or assessment provides a meaningful comparison. At O’Connor, we conduct this work for Winfield Township homeowners. Our team analyzes property data, researches comparable sales, and develops evidence to support an assessment challenge. We even partner with a law firm experienced in property tax matters who will handle the appeal process. There is no upfront cost to enroll, and our service fee is charged only when we successfully secure a property tax reduction.
