Property Taxes

For those paying property taxes in Illinois, or for those even trying to understand them, the stickiest of wickets is equalization. This factor is unique to Illinois and adds another wrinkle to the state’s already complex and high-dollar property tax situation. With some of the highest property taxes in the United States, it is important … Read more

Illinois property taxes are more than double that of the United States, and rank behind only New Jersey for the No. 1 spot. This is exaggerated even more when it comes to Cook County. In many ways, Cook County is Illinois turned up to 11, with high property taxes, layered government competing for every dollar, … Read more

Cook County has become the center of interest across the country for those that are interested in property taxes. Cook County boasts some of the highest property taxes in the country, while also being beholden to a series of arcane rules that are difficult to come to grasp with. From the confusing equalization factor to … Read more

Federal Tax Day may have just been a week ago, but the people of Illinois living outside of Cook County, are about to get a fresh batch of taxes delivered to their door. It is about to be property tax season again, and taxpayers do not want to be caught unawares when deadlines hit. You … Read more

Outside the San Francisco Bay Area, Cook County is currently in the worst property crisis in the United States. Starting in 2007 and continuing on into 2025, property taxes have been growing exponentially. A combination of population growth, neighborhood revitalization, and chronic mismanagement has produced an environment where property taxes have increased 78% in some … Read more

Dire Property Tax Situation in Cook County The housing market is tough across the country, but for residents of Cook County, Illinois, property taxes make homeownership a particularly challenging game. Appraisal districts across the United States rely on algorithms for mass appraisal. These aren’t exact measurements either, but more “educated” guesses of what a given … Read more

In February 2025, O’Connor expanded its property tax services with a new office in New York with Frank Grampone leading the office. Frank Grampone works with commercial property owners in NYC and residential property owners in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. With a wealth of experience in New York property tax services, Frank offers expert advice … Read more

Property taxes are due soon for Cook County property owners! Steer clear of late fees and penalties by keeping up to date on all property tax deadlines. Be Aware of Deadlines & Avoid Late Fees For Cook County property owners, your 2024 property taxes are due in two installments. The Cook County Treasurer has already sent out … Read more

If you are a property owner in Illinois, you should make it a habit to check your property values every year, even if you are not in a reassessment year. The reason for this is because in Illinois, property values can be adjusted for taxes in two very different ways. These methods of adjustment are … Read more

The owner of the 3-unit triplex at 1633 S Avers Avenue (Chicago IL 60623) saw their Cook County property tax assessment increase 2,080% between 2023 and 2024. This is not a typo. The Cook County Assessor increased their opinion of the value of this property from $16,050 ($5,350/unit) to $350,000 ($116,667/unit). How can the value … Read more