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

Fall is here and so are property tax deadlines in Metro Atlanta. By missing a deadline, you could face steep penalties, added interest, or even risk your property at a tax sale. Not only can it cost you money, but also peace of mind. If you fail to pay or miss a deadline, it could lead to serious financial consequences, especially since property taxes are typically high in the Metro Atlanta area. Payment deadlines vary by county, so it is important for you as a property owner to consistently check the due dates. O’Connor will break down the different deadlines, consequences, and tips for Metro Atlanta property owners, specifically Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties. County Deadlines In Georgia, unlike the state of Illinois, property taxes are typically due annually, and tax bills are usually mailed out during August. Although tax payments are due in the fall, deadlines can vary... Read More

If you’re a New York property owner, are you aware of where all that money goes when you pay your tax bill? Understanding the breakdown of your tax bill helps you connect the money to the services provided. Once you know where your tax dollars go, you can hold your elected officials accountable, you have a better grasp on ballot propositions, and you can make educated decisions when voting for changes in funding. Finally, good comprehension of your tax bill can allow you to determine if you are getting value for the services. It may also serve as a deciding factor when you are looking at potential home buying options. An exact breakdown of the tax money varies by county, city, town, or school district. However, property tax money typically goes towards the following: How Is Your Tax Bill Calculated The property tax bill is the sum of several line... Read More

Earlier this year, O’Connor discussed the Elk Grove Township reassessment increases and how the 2025 reassessment is affecting property values in the township. At the time, we were not sure when the deadlines for property tax appeals would occur, as the Cook County Assessor’s Office (CCAO) has a wide range of dates, with each township having a different cut-off date for appeals. With the summer almost over, it has finally been confirmed that the final deadline for protests in Elk Grove township is September 16, 2025. This deadline is for appeals to the Board of Review (BOR) only, as informal appeals with the CCAO already had a deadline pass earlier in the summer. If you missed that initial date, there is nothing to worry about, as you can still file an appeal with the BOR. BOR appeals are generally favored in Cook County, as they usually provide the most tax... Read More

While Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago all have reputations for high property taxes, nothing really prepared the people of the southern and western portions of the county for 2023. The triennial reassessment by the Cook County Assessor’s Office (CCAO) was seen as a wholesale disaster for businesses and property owners. Not only were record assessments handed out, but many blatant errors by the CCAO were exposed. This caused outrage to overflow throughout all of Cook County, as thousands of property owners were handed overinflated, inaccurate, or plain objectively incorrect assessments. Many property owners saw their taxable value increase by several factors, while some had their taxes double overnight. Lyons Township became one of the main focal points of the controversy. It was Lyons that saw random spikes of 650% in taxable value for some homes, which became one of the major sources of fear across Chicago. It was Lyons Township... Read More