Filing an appeal is your legal right. Appealing with uniquely qualified attorneys is your advantage.

Property Tax Lawyer Chicago IL

If your Cook County property tax bill feels inflated, you may have more options than you realize. Park & Longstreet, P.C. is a dedicated property tax lawyer firm in Chicago, IL, serving residential, rental, commercial, and industrial property owners across Cook County. There are no upfront fees, and attorney fees are only owed if the firm obtains a reduction in your assessment. Call (847) 380-3588 today to request a free property tax analysis.

Property tax lawyer reviewing a Cook County assessment notice

Who We Help

Cook County property owners of all types may be paying more than their fair share. Park & Longstreet, P.C. regularly represents homeowners throughout Chicago, landlords with multi-unit rental buildings, retail and office property owners, and industrial property holders. Cook County uses a triennial reassessment cycle, meaning your property's assessed value can shift significantly from one cycle to the next, and those shifts do not always reflect true market conditions. Working with a qualified property tax attorney means having someone who understands how Cook County assessments are structured and where errors tend to occur. Consulting a property tax lawyer early in the reassessment cycle can make the difference between meeting a filing deadline and missing it entirely.

The Cook County Property Tax Appeal Process

Challenging your assessment in Cook County typically involves up to three levels, each with its own deadlines and evidentiary requirements.

  1. Cook County Assessor's Office: The first opportunity to challenge your assessed value; filing windows are township-specific and generally last around 30 days after reassessment notices are mailed.
  2. Cook County Board of Review: If the Assessor's Office does not deliver a satisfactory result, a formal complaint may be filed for an independent hearing.
  3. Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB): If the Board of Review outcome remains unsatisfactory, a petition may be filed within 30 days of the Board's written decision. PTAB is the highest level of administrative appeal in Illinois and can result in a refund for overpaid taxes.


Missing a deadline at any stage can close the door on that year's appeal. Park & Longstreet, P.C. monitors filing windows across all Cook County townships and prepares well-supported appeals at every level. Both partners served as Hearing Officers at PTAB before founding the firm in 2000, giving them firsthand insight into how these decisions are made.

Is It Worth Hiring a Property Tax Lawyer in Chicago?

Only licensed attorneys can represent property owners in most property tax appeals, particularly before PTAB. Legal entities such as LLCs, corporations, and trusts are required to have attorney representation at that level. Beyond eligibility, an attorney builds a legal argument, not just a form submission. Park & Longstreet, P.C. analyzes comparable sales data, income and expense figures for rental properties, and assessment records to construct a case designed to withstand scrutiny. The firm's property tax appeal attorneys personally prepare every appeal. For owners managing multiple parcels, the firm handles assessment reviews across a portfolio under a single representation, and savings can compound over successive reassessment cycles.


A tax consultant may offer to file paperwork, but cannot appear as legal counsel or argue before the Board of Review or PTAB the way a licensed property tax lawyer can.

What to Expect When You Work With Park & Longstreet, P.C.

The process starts with a free property tax analysis and is designed to be straightforward for clients.

  1. Free analysis: The firm reviews your current assessment, tax bill, and relevant market data to determine whether a viable appeal exists.
  2. Evidence preparation: Attorneys gather comparable sales, income data, appraisal records, or other documentation tailored to your property type and location.
  3. Filing: The appeal is filed with the appropriate agency within the applicable deadline.
  4. Hearing representation: Attorneys appear on your behalf and present the legal and factual case for a lower assessment.
  5. Result: Any reduction typically flows through to a lower tax bill or, for PTAB reductions, a refund.


Learn more about the property tax appeals process on the firm's dedicated service page.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Do I Know If My Cook County Property Is Over-Assessed?

    Your property may be over-assessed if your assessed value rose faster than comparable sales in your neighborhood or if your tax bill increased significantly after a triennial reassessment. A property tax lawyer can help you identify discrepancies.

  • Does Hiring a Property Tax Lawyer Cost Anything Upfront?

    No. Park & Longstreet, P.C. operates on a contingency-fee basis. Attorney fees are only owed if the firm obtains a reduction in your assessment. No reduction means no fee.

  • What Types of Properties Can Be Appealed in Chicago?

    Residential properties, including single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-unit buildings, can be appealed, as can commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. Both categories can be overvalued.

  • How Long Does a Cook County Property Tax Appeal Take?

    An Assessor's Office review may resolve in weeks, while a Board of Review hearing can take several months. Appeals that proceed to PTAB may take a year or more. The firm pursues appeals through each stage as needed.

  • Can a Property Tax Lawyer Help With Past Tax Years?

    In some situations, errors in prior tax years may be addressed through a Certificate of Error filed with the Cook County Assessor's Office. An attorney can review your circumstances and advise whether that option applies.

Contact Park & Longstreet, P.C. for a Free Property Tax Analysis

An inflated assessment is not something you have to accept. Park & Longstreet, P.C. has represented thousands of Cook County property owners since 2000, pursuing appeals through every level of the administrative process. The contingency-fee structure means there is no financial risk in finding out whether you have a case. Call (847) 380-3588 or visit the contact page to request your free analysis today.