Is Your Property Overassessed?
Your property’s assessed value helps determine your share of the local property tax burden. Values handed down from the assessor are often inaccurate in Illinois, and are either overassessed or are unequal compared to similar properties.
These common errors are why taxpayers in Illinois need to stay on top of their assessment, as there are options to correct these issues. If these issues are not challenged, they will remain in place, continually costing homeowners and businesses money annually. Illinois has the highest property taxes in the nation, so it is imperative for taxpayers to ensure that they are only paying what they owe. Common errors include incorrect measurements, property details, and missing exemptions.
Ways to Get a Tax Reduction
Downers Grove Township offers several ways to get a reduction on your taxes, and a savvy property owner will use every one available. Understanding how exemptions and assessment appeals work can help you explore the options available to you.
Appeals can be used with exemptions in order to generate the maximum chance at a reduction. Checking your exemptions and reviewing your assessment can help you make the most of the available opportunities for a possible tax reduction.
Exemptions:
Property tax exemptions reduce the taxable assessed value of qualifying properties. DuPage County offers the general homestead exemption, which can reduce the equalized assessed value (EAV) of an eligible primary residence by $8,000. Seniors, people with disabilities, and some veterans can qualify for additional exemptions, enhancing the homestead exemption.
Property Tax Appeals:
An assessment appeal challenges the value assigned to your property. If your property is overvalued or assessed higher than comparable properties, filing an assessment appeal is the only way to address and challenge these issues. The process follows specific guidelines and deadlines, and supporting evidence is essential to building a strong case for a potential reduction.
Understanding the Property Tax Appeal Process
Downers Grove property owners can begin by reviewing their assessment through the township assessor’s office. If concerns arise, a formal appeal may be filed through the DuPage County Board of Review during the appropriate filing period.
An appeal must be supported by evidence that shows why the assessed value should be changed. This may include recent sales of comparable properties, assessments of similar homes or commercial buildings, an appraisal, or documentation of errors in the property record.
Finding the evidence to be successful is usually the largest hurdle, and many taxpayers are deterred from protesting thanks to the effort required. This can be amplified by tight deadline windows, and taxpayers only have one shot to appeal.
June 1, 2026: Frist installment of property taxes due
September 1, 2026: Second installment of property taxes due
November 2, 2026: Property tax assessment appeal deadline
O’Connor Offers Premium Support in Downers Grove
Gathering evidence and navigating assessment procedures can take time. O’Connor helps simplify the process by reviewing your assessment, researching comparable properties, and organizing information that may support a lower valuation.
O’Connor offers premium and personalized evidence for all of our clients. We use advanced techniques to analyze your assessment, which can often find issues that have gone undetected. Once these issues are found, we will find the best evidence available, including comparable properties, assessments, and property sales. We offer full support for homeowners, businesses, and rental property owners. Once the evidence is put together, we will coordinate an appeal with a local law firm that has elite experience in property taxes. There is no cost to enroll, and you will not pay unless your taxes are lowered.
