It has been a hard year for Chicago as a whole, with many issues coming to the surface. While many are beyond the Windy City’s control, a rather large one was self-inflicted. Already saddled with the second-highest property taxes in the nation, Cook County complicated matters by completely botching the rollout of the current property tax bills. While it had been a problem in the past, notably in 2021, a large computer snafu completely derailed the plans of the Cook County Assessor’s Office (CCAO), the County Treasurer, the County Clerk, and the Board of Review (BOR) earlier this year. This meant that the second installment of Cook County property taxes was delayed indefinitely. In essence, the computer errors caused a spiral of delays and mistakes across the county. Why this happened and who is to blame was never truly found out. Instead, every party blamed the other. As usual, this... Read More

The end of the year is the right time to get ahead on property taxes, so you’re better prepared for 2026. In New York, property taxes continue to rise, leaving many homeowners surprised by their assessments. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and take steps early to reduce your tax assessment while you still have the opportunity. We will go over why and how to properly prepare for the new year, and what actionable measures you can take to reduce your tax bills to avoid further surprises from penalties and fees. Tax Plan Before It’s Too Late Planning for your property taxes is important because it can help reduce your tax liabilities, avoid penalties, and prepare for upcoming expenses. The following are a few reasons why tax planning before the new year is crucial: Prepare for the New Year To properly prepare for the new year, start by reviewing... Read More

In Illinois, depending on the county where your property is located, you may have multiple opportunities to appeal your property tax assessment. For owners in Cook county, the first is the local assessor’s office, where you can request a review of your property’s assessed value. If you are unsatisfied with the assessor negotiated value, then you can appeal to the county board of review (BOR), and they can reconsider your assessment. Beyond that, appeals can be filed with the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) or through the circuit court for judicial review. For Illinois counties outside of Cook, the process will start with the BOR protest and then continue with PTAB. With deadlines often specific to your individual county and township, and staggered over the course of the year, many property owners have already submitted their filings, while others are still in the process of preparing their submissions. Whether... Read More

Many Metro Atlanta homeowners ask the same question every year, “if my home’s value is dropping, then why did my property tax bill go up?” The answer isn’t simple, and there are a lot of factors that come into play. There is a grand disconnect between what homeowners witness in the real estate market and what they experience on their tax bills. Due to this disparity, property owners can feel confused and frustrated about how assessments and tax rates truly work. Understanding two major factors, how assessment lags and milage rate adjustments affect tax bills, can help explain the disconnect, but also help you understand your options. Two Key Factors Behind Rising Tax Bills in a Cooling Market Georgia assessors use past home sales, often one or two years old, to determine fair market value for property tax assessments. Part of the process is using the most common method of... Read More

Like a haunted house, property taxes can creep up and surprise you if you are not prepared. Many Illinois property owners may not understand how crucial it is to be aware of the many property tax traps, and they may not know where to begin. Property owners can face unexpected costs due to missing exemptions, ignoring reassessment notices, misunderstanding payment installments, and any unforeseen technical glitches in the county’s computer system. The Disappearing Act of Missed Exemptions Exemptions are reductions in the taxable value of your home that can lower the amount of property taxes you owe. Exemptions don’t reduce the tax rate but reduce a portion of your property’s value that is taxed. There are many exemptions available for Illinois property owners, and eligibility can vary based on the county your property is in. It is best to check your designated county website for eligibility requirements. The following are... Read More