Reassessment in Avon Township
Taxpayers typically see their largest increase in taxes come from reassessment. While this is infamous in Cook County, the rest of Illinois, especially the collar counties, can suffer the consequences as well. Reassessment is when the assessor focuses entirely on the county, assessing properties based on their current market value. While the next reassessment is scheduled for 2027, the people of Avon Township can still see increased property taxes thanks to changing rates, the equalization factor, and other factors, such as tax incremental financing (TIF).
Lowering Taxes in Avon Township
As with the rest of Illinois, the people of Lake County and Avon Township are looking for the best way to reduce their tax burden. Lake County currently has the highest property taxes in the state, which is troubling, especially considering Illinois ranks No. 1 in the nation for real estate taxes. While taxes cannot be lowered directly through various techniques, the values used to calculate property tax bills can be lowered. There are two primary methods used to lower taxable value, and every Avon Township property owner should be using them whenever possible.
Exemptions:
The easiest way to save on property taxes is to use every possible exemption. This generally starts with the homestead exemption, which cuts $8,000 in equalized assessed value (EAV) from property tax bills. EAV is the assessed value of a property multiplied by the equalization factor and is the value to which tax rates are applied. EAV can also be lowered by other exemptions, such as those for homeowners over 65 or those with disabilities. Some can be used together, while others are mutually exclusive.
Property Tax Appeals:
These directly challenge the assessor’s values and can be used to lower or correct them. Unlike exemptions, these require greater effort and evidence to be successful. However, they can be used for more properties, such as businesses and rental homes. In addition, appeals can be used alongside exemptions to increase savings.
Appeal Can Mean the Difference in Avon
The main driver of a successful property tax appeal is the evidence. This is because appeals must be decided on certain grounds, each of which requires a specific type of evidence. In cases of overassessment, which occurs when a home or business is assessed at more than its market value, the taxpayer must provide a series of property sales dating back three years. For cases of a lack of uniformity, the taxpayer needs to bring assessments that indicate they are being overassessed. The evidence in either case must meet strict requirements and should be similar in size, location, age, and other characteristics.
In addition to strict evidence, appeals also have a narrow deadline, usually 30 days after the notice of assessment has been published. There is only a single appeal deadline, which is with the Board of Review (BOR). While Cook County has two separate cutoff dates, this is not the case for Avon Township or the rest of Lake County. This means that a taxpayer must be fully prepared by their deadline, or they will lose the ability to challenge their values entirely. There are several deadlines that a taxpayer needs to be prepared for.
First property tax installment due: June 4, 2026
Second property tax installment due: September 4, 2026
BOR appeal deadline: September 28, 2026
O’Connor Offers Evidence That Wins
The main driver of a victorious appeal is the evidence. This is because appeals must be decided on certain grounds, each of which requires a specific type of evidence. In cases of overassessment, which is when a home or business is assessed for more than it would sell for, the taxpayer must provide a series of property sales dating back three years. For cases of a lack of uniformity, the taxpayer needs to bring assessments that indicate they are being overly charged. The evidence in either case must meet strict requirements and should be close in size, location, age, and other characteristics.
We at O’Connor help our clients by providing this evidence. We use data-driven techniques to zero in on the best comparable properties possible, while also casting an expert eye toward the assessment. By studying the assessment, we can find any issues that need to be addressed and use our state-of-the-art databases to find the right comparables. Once we have the best evidence possible, we will coordinate an appeal with an expert law firm. Best of all, we will never charge you an upfront fee, and you will only need to pay if your taxes are lowered.
