Learn about Property Assessments in Thornton Township

Cook County – Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi released the initial assessments of residential and commercial properties in Thornton Township.

“I strongly encourage property owners to review their reassessment notice to ensure their property characteristics and market value reflect their home,” said Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “It is important to understand that assessments in Cook County reflect market value over the last three years. My office will be partnering with Cassandra Elston, Thornton Township Assessor to assist property owners and explain reassessments in their community.”

“We are here to help property owners. Residents are encouraged to attend a workshop to address their concerns regarding their reassessment notices. The Cook County Assessor’s Office will present information about how to understand their reassessment notice and explain how values are determined,” said Thornton Township Assessor Cassandra Elston.

Appeals for Thornton Township can be filed until Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

To learn more about property assessments and appeals, attend an in-person appeal workshop on the following dates.

• Monday, August 21 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Harvey City Hall
• Tuesday, August 22 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Calumet City Hall
• Wednesday, August 23 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at South Suburban College
• Thursday, August 24 in Spanish from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Harvey City Hall
• Thursday, August 24 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Lester L. Long Fieldhouse in Dolton

For more information, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/event-list.

The Assessor’s Office reassesses one-third of the county every year. In 2023, the south and west suburbs of Cook County are undergoing reassessment. The municipalities that are part of Thornton Township are Burnham, Calumet City, Dixmoor, Dolton, East Hazel Crest, Phoenix, South Holland, Thornton, Blue Island, Glenwood, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lansing, Markham, Posen, and Riverdale.

When a property is reassessed, the property owner is mailed a Reassessment Notice. The Reassessment Notice reflects the estimated fair market value based on sales of similar properties over the past three years. The notice also contains important information such as the property’s characteristics, neighborhood code, and past assessments. An increase in a property’s assessment does not cause the same increase in the property owner’s taxes.

After a township undergoes reassessment, a valuation report is released that provides details on residential, commercial, and multi-family reassessments. Property owners can use these reports to gain insight into how property assessments work, learn about the real estate market in their specific neighborhood, and compare the median to their property value. The Valuation Reports for Thornton Township can be found at: cookcountyassessor.com/valuation-reports.

How do assessment appeals work? Property owners are given an opportunity to appeal their assessment if the property characteristics listed on an assessment notice are incorrect, or if the estimated market value of a property is significantly more than what it could sell for in the current real estate market.