What to Know About Property Tax Appeals
Plato Township property owners can start by reviewing their assessment with the township assessor’s office. If concerns are raised, they may be able to file a formal appeal with the Kane County Board of Review within the designated filing period.
Supporting evidence is an important part of an assessment appeal. Depending on your circumstances, this may include recent sales of comparable properties, assessments of similar homes or commercial buildings, an appraisal, or records that reveal inaccuracies in your property information. The evidence needed will depend on whether you’re challenging the property’s market value, assessment uniformity, or factual details.
An assessment appeal challenges the value assigned to your property, not the tax rates set by local taxing bodies. Because filing deadlines are strict, reviewing your assessment and understanding the applicable filing period early can help you avoid missing an opportunity to appeal. Tight deadlines and the need for valid evidence discourage many property owners from seeking the tax relief available to them.
Understanding Your Property Tax Savings Options
Plato Township property owners have several options to potentially lower their property tax burden. Knowing how exemptions and appeals work can help you make informed decisions and explore potential tax savings. Because exemptions reduce taxable value while appeals challenge the assessed value of your property, eligible owners may benefit from using both. Reviewing your assessment and making sure that you receive the exemptions you qualify for can help you identify opportunities to reduce your property tax burden.
Exemptions:
Property tax exemptions are an easy way to lower the taxable assessed value of eligible properties. The most common is the general homestead exemption, while additional options may be available to eligible veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Property Tax Appeals:
An assessment appeal is a challenge to the value assigned to your property. If your property is overvalued or assessed higher than comparable properties, an appeal provides a way to challenge the assessment. The process involves specific filing deadlines and requires supporting evidence to demonstrate why a reduction may be warranted.
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 installment of property taxes due: June 1, 2026
Second installment of property taxes due: September 1, 2026
Last day to file an assessment appeal: October 21, 2026
O’Connor Serves Plato Township Property Owners
Putting together supporting evidence and working through the property tax appeal process can require considerable time and effort. O’Connor makes it easier by providing personalized, high-quality evidence tailored to your property. Our team uses advanced analytical techniques to review your assessment and uncover potential issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Once we identify opportunities for a property tax reduction, we research the strongest available supporting evidence, including comparable properties, assessment records, and recent property sales. We provide comprehensive support for homeowners, businesses, and rental property owners, helping each understand their options and move forward with confidence.
After compiling the evidence, we coordinate the appeal process with a local law firm experienced in property tax matters. There’s no upfront cost to enroll, and you only pay if your taxes are successfully lowered.
