Homeowners in Schaumburg Township are being encouraged to file property assessment appeals by January 7. The township supervisor, Tim Heneghan, announced this in a bid to help homeowners possibly reduce their property tax bills.
Property assessments are conducted every three years and are critical in determining the amount of property tax one has to pay. Lower assessment values often result in lower property tax bills. This year, all properties in Schaumburg Township have been reassessed.
The reassessment is carried out by the Cook County Assessor's Office, and the results are mailed to the homeowners. Homeowners who believe their assessments are too high have the right to appeal the decision. The deadline for filing an appeal is January 7.
Appealing an assessment does not require any fee, but it does require some preparation. Homeowners must present evidence to support their claim that their property has been overvalued. This can include recent sales of comparable homes in the neighborhood, or evidence of property damage that was not considered during the assessment.
The township is assisting homeowners through this process by offering free appeal seminars. The seminars provide homeowners with information on how to file an appeal and what evidence to gather. If homeowners are unable to attend a seminar, they can access the information online.
It is important to note that filing an appeal does not guarantee a reduction in property taxes. The appeal is reviewed by the Cook County Board of Review, which makes the final decision. However, it is a worthwhile effort as it gives homeowners a chance to ensure their property is fairly assessed.
Additionally, it is not mandatory for homeowners to hire a lawyer or a service to file their appeal. They can do it themselves with the help of the resources provided by the township and the Cook County Assessor's Office. However, if they choose to hire a professional, they should ensure that the professional is licensed and has a good track record.
In conclusion, appealing a property assessment can be a complex process, but with the right information and support, homeowners have a chance to potentially reduce their property tax bill. It is a process worth considering for all homeowners in Schaumburg Township.