The Cook County Board of Review has opened pre-filling appeals for next year’s property taxes, allowing homeowners whose property was damaged in recent storms to start the process of reducing their 2027 tax bill.
The second installment of 2025 property tax bills are expected to hit mailboxes on or before Sept. 1, according to the board.
The deadline for filing exemptions for the first installment of 2026 tax bills closes the first day of September as well, and Board chair George Cardenas urged people to check their exemptions.
He explained sometimes seniors will fall off the senior freeze list, and property owners who recently made a purchase may also have to file for new exemptions.
The first group of townships eligible to file an appeal — Evanston, New Trier, Norwood Park, Oak Park, River Forest, Riverside and Rogers Park townships — also have until Sept. 1 to file an appeal for next year’s first installment, and until Sept. 11 to submit evidence for claims.
While storm damage relief isn’t available for the tax bills property owners in the county just received, the damage from this year could be reflected on 2027 charges if the proper forms and evidence are submitted, board officials said.
“If you want to challenge the [next] tax bill, now is the time,” Larry Rogers, board commissioner, said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “If your property saw significant damage that compromised your ability to live in the property and affected its habitability, you can receive relief on next year’s tax bills if you document that.”
Rogers suggested people hang on to interior and exterior photos of damage, insurance information, repair estimates, bills from hotels stays, contractor reports and other evidence if they plan to file an appeal.
Even damage that didn’t impact people’s ability to live in their home, such as damage to their garages, can be factored into an appeal. Every situation is handled on a “case by case” basis, Rogers said.
“We encourage you to follow through,” Cardenas said. “To ensure you get the right assessment.”
The action comes a day after governor JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation over the continued onslaught of storms, freeing up more state resources and agencies to help with recovery, as well as opening up loan programs to assist residents.