Real estate taxes represent one of the largest expenses for property owners, yet many pay more than necessary. Whether you own commercial, industrial, or residential properties, obtaining the lowest possible assessment is an essential component to property management.
At SFBBG, we provide comprehensive property tax services throughout Cook County, the surrounding collar counties, and all of Illinois. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Illinois property tax law, gained through decades of experience, and apply real-world insights to assist clients with minimizing their tax burdens.
Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Assessment Appeals
Commercial and industrial properties face complex valuation challenges that require specialized expertise. SFBBG represents property owners in contesting assessments by actively pursuing every available avenue to challenge assessments, ranging from complaints with county assessors and boards of review to appeals before the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board and lawsuits in the circuit courts.
We use cutting edge computer-based resources to support our tax appeals with market data including comparable property sales and listings, market rentals, vacancy rates, and capitalization rates. We work with some of the most experienced real estate appraisers, so we enjoy ready access to the consultation of these experts and the proprietary data they have assembled in the course of their careers.
Our combination of legal knowledge and experience enables our attorneys and staff to target the best approach to obtain tax reductions by working with the most appropriate professionals for your specific property, selecting the right legal forum, and using valuation methodologies that best position you for a property tax reduction.
Tax Incentives and Exemptions
Cook County offers property tax incentives that can dramatically reduce tax liability for qualifying development and investment projects. SFBBG helps clients navigate and obtain Cook County’s specialized classification incentives, including Class 6, Class 7, Class 8 incentives that lower tax burdens for new and expanding businesses.
SFBBG also provides comprehensive counsel on charitable and religious property tax exemptions for non-homestead properties throughout Cook County and the surrounding collar counties. Non-profit status by the IRS does not automatically qualify an organization for a property tax exemption. Our experienced team guides clients through the application process to secure these valuable exemptions.
Strategic Real Estate Tax Counsel For Every Stage of Your Portfolio
Beyond ad valorem property tax appeals and obtaining incentives or exemptions, SFBBG provides ongoing strategic counsel to help clients proactively manage their property tax exposure. We advise on tax implications of property acquisitions, dispositions, and development projects. Our team also provides guidance for planning, projection, and budgeting purposes.
Condominium Association and Residential Property Tax Assessment Appeals
Property tax appeals can produce significant savings for homeowners and residential property investors each year. SFBBG’s residential services include reviewing assessments for accuracy, comparing properties to similar sales in the area, and identifying assessment errors or inequities. When properties are over-assessed compared to similar neighboring properties or recent market data, we work to achieve uniformity and fair treatment under the law.
Experience and Representative Properties
Our attorneys and analysts bring years of experience and professional judgment to the table for each of our clients. We have represented and successfully appealed property taxes for a wide range of properties, including:
- Apartment complexes
- Downtown office buildings
- Suburban office buildings
- Industrial warehouses
- Hotels
- Condominium associations
- Shopping centers
- Auto dealerships
- Medical offices
- Restaurants and retail
- Residential investment properties (single family and multi-family)
Reach out to Discuss How We Can Help
Property tax matters require both technical expertise and strategic thinking to achieve the best results. At SFBBG, we bring our depth of knowledge of Illinois property tax law and practical experience navigating tax issues across the Chicagoland area to obtain the lowest possible tax burdens for our clients. Whether you need help with an assessment appeal or you are seeking ongoing counsel for your real estate portfolio, our property tax attorneys deliver the insight and advocacy needed to protect your interests, reduce unnecessary tax burdens, and align with your interests to manage expenses over the long term. Contact us today for a private consultation.
