In Lake County,Illinois, the real estate tax assessments were just recently mailed to all of the homeowners of Lake County. In Illinois, there are only 30 days after you receive your notice of assessment,(not 3 days after you receive your real estate bill),to file an appeal for that year. In other words, it is imperative at this time to act fast since the assessments were already mailed to the owners of record at the beginning of November, and the due date of the appeals would be at the beginning of December. If you snooze - you will lose! 
( your shirt)
An expert can help you appeal your taxes if you don't feel that you have been fairly assessed. According to Carl Peterson, (see below) it is important to verify that your real estate property record card reflects accurate information when you receive the reassessment form. The number of baths, basement area, finished lower level, gross building area, garage type, etc. are important components of your total market value. If you find an error, contact your particular township to discuss these errors and if they agree with your findings, they will correct the property record card to reflect your changes.
If your property record card is already accurate, and you believe your assessment is too high, it is important to find 3 or more comparable properties from your neighborhood which are the most identical to your home. The homes you choose should be the same style, i.e. ranch, split level, 2-story, etc. as your home; be of similar size and have similar amenities, such as bath count, fireplace, garage size, etc. Next, compare the assessments of these properties to yours to determine if you are equitably assessed. If it appears that your assessment is higher than the comparables, you may consider contesting or appealing your assessment. This appeal needs to be filed on the County RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT APPEAL FORM FOR TAX YEAR 2008
Carl Peterson has been a real estate appraiser for over 30 years and for the past 15 years has been actively involved in the real estate tax assessment field, as a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO). He has reviewed thousands of parcels and has worked on correcting the assessment of homes that have been assessed incorrectly. If you would like help in protesting your taxes, please free to contact Carl Peterson of The Third Principal Meridian (708) 826-2101 or by email at The3rdPM@aol.com
If you want more information regarding specific real estate sales in the Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich and Lincolnshire area, please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 , email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com or check out my website at www.buffalogrovehomes.comor www.buffalogroveareahomes.com . I can help you in the purchase or sale of a Buffalo Grove Condo, Buffalo Grove Townhouse, Buffalo Grove single family home or a Buffalo Grove rental. I am available 24/7 to make appointments!
