Property tax appeals open in Palatine Township

Palatine Township residents can file an appeal on the amount of their 2023 property taxes at the Palatine Township Assessor's office through noon Aug. 21, or can file online directly with the Cook County Assessor.

"There are a number of ways you can file an appeal," said Bill Pohlman, Palatine Township assessor. "If you have a difficult appeal, you can schedule an appointment and meet with our staff.

"We also have forms outside our front door that you can fill out, or you can send an email to appeals@palatinetownship-il.gov with your name, address, phone number, your PIN, if you know it, as well as your email address and we'll file the appeal for you. If you want to file your appeal directly with Cook County, go to cookcountyassessor.com/online-appeals."

Residents can appeal their property tax during a specified month twice a year with the township. The township is now in the first round of appeals. The second round of appeals will be open with the board of review later this year. No matter the result, residents can appeal during both sessions.

Local taxing bodies determine the amount of a tax bill. The school district, village, library, township, among others, all request funds in what is called a levy for their annual budgets.

Homes are assessed by size, construction and similarities to other homes in the community. In Cook County, homes are assessed every three years and the property tax is based on the results combined with the tax rate, which is determined by the budget and levy of the taxing bodies.

"The township assessor's office is here to help you make sure you are only paying your fair share of the property tax," said Pohlman. "We can help you apply for all the exemptions you are qualified for and appeal your property tax if your home is not assessed properly."

Palatine Township covers a 6-square-mile area south of Lake-Cook Road in Palatine, north of Central Avenue in Schaumburg, east of Huntington Boulevard in Hoffman Estates and west of Wilke Road in Arlington Heights.

Palatine Township holds its monthly board meeting at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the Palatine Township offices, 721 S. Quentin Road, Palatine.

For information on Palatine Township, call (847) 358-6700 or visit palatinetownship-il.gov.