2025 has been a tumultuous year for the taxpayers of Cook County. Thanks to a massive computer issue, the entire system was thrown into chaos. Starting with the Cook County Assessor’s Office (CCAO), the issues quickly expanded to all portions of Cook County government, as each relies on property taxes to function. This all came together to delay both tax bills and refund payments to taxpayers, sabotaging the whole system. This caused the second installment of tax bills to be months late, only finally releasing on November 14, with due dates set for December. Not only were these bills late, but they saw some of the largest tax hikes in Cook County history, which certainly says something. While the typical spikes were felt in certain neighborhoods, homeowners around the county almost universally experienced significant increases. With all of these issues in mind, the Board of Review (BOR) in Cook County... Read More

Big developers could soon get decades-long property tax breaks while your tax bill keeps rising. Illinois’ new “megaproject” law, House Bill 4058 (HB 4058), promises jobs and investment, but could also reshape who pays the biggest share of local taxes. The house bill is drawing significant attention due to its large potential tax breaks for developers and big projects such as stadiums or corporate campuses. While some of Illinois’ biggest developments may benefit from a major tax advantage, homeowners and small businesses may face steady tax bills in the upcoming year due to shifting the local tax burden. What is House Bill 4058? HB 4058 is pending before the House Rules Committee and was proposed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The bill would provide major tax breaks or exemptions for megaprojects (large-scale investments meeting certain job-creation and investment thresholds) by reducing the qualifying threshold from... Read More

BOR Offers Rare Second Shot at 2026 Reductions Thanks to the one-two punch of delayed bills and unprecedented costs, if you are a Cook County homeowner, you could see some relief from the BOR to close 2025, which could easily have ripple effects into 2026. The BOR announced that they will start opening up townships for property tax appeals once again, with them having a direct effect on 2026 taxes. These appeals will target your 2025 assessments, giving homeowners across the county another bite of the apple. Most townships have already closed their appeal windows, which would typically mean that taxpayers have no further recourse to lower their taxable value. This unprecedented reopening can change that story for you. Well over a dozen Cook County townships have seen their appeal season come and go, with some townships closing deadlines months ago. The upcoming reopening will give these taxpayers another shot.... Read More

Think your Nassau County property taxes are set in stone? Every homeowner has the right to challenge their property assessment and potentially save hundreds or even thousands each year. While checking your assessment notice, you may be surprised to see that the number seems higher than you expected, and you wonder if your taxes are going to climb again. With the 2026 filing period opening January 2 in Nassau County, New York, now’s the time to act before March 2 to file a grievance and correct any discrepancies before taxes are finalized. O’Connor has compiled a helpful guide to help you review your assessment, understand your options, and make sure you’re not paying more than your fair share. Understanding Your Property Assessment The county assesses your property every year. Reviewing and understanding your assessment notice early can make all the difference in your tax bill before the March 2 grievance... Read More

When your 2026 property assessment hits your mailbox next spring, you might get a little unexpected surprise from your home’s new taxable value. Home prices across Metro Atlanta have climbed again, and many homeowners can expect to see higher 2026 property assessments. But the higher market value on your assessment notice doesn’t always reflect reality, and it can mean paying more in property taxes than you should. The good news is that you have the power to challenge it. Georgia law gives homeowners the right to appeal their valuation to possibly lock in savings for three years if the appeal is successful. Here’s what to know before the 2026 notices go out next spring and how to take control of your property taxes. The county assessors will issue assessment notices for real and personal property in Spring or early summer 2026, and property owners will have 45 days from the... Read More