Oak Park Appeal Period Opens; Tax Appeal Meeting on August 23

Oak Park property owners concerned about their property taxes have an opportunity to do something about next year’s tax bills.  According to Oak Park Township Assessor Ali ElSaffar, Oak Park property owners can appeal their 2013 assessed values with the Cook County Board of Review between August 5 and September 3.  The township is offering residents two ways to get help in filing an appeal.

The first option for residents seeking help with appeals is to attend a meeting with the Board of Review on August 21.  At the meeting, representatives from the office of Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers, Jr. will explain the appeal process and help residents file appeals.  The meeting will take place at 6:30 PM at the Oak Park Township Senior Services building, located at 130 S. Oak Park Avenue.  The meeting is cosponsored by the offices of the Oak Park Township Assessor and Senator Don Harmon.

The second option involves a visit to the Township Assessor’s office.  During the visit, assessor’s office staff will help residents prepare evidence to substantiate their appeals.  To avoid long waits in his office, Assessor ElSaffar asks that those seeking help from the Township call (708) 383-8005 to schedule an appointment.

Oak Park properties were last reassessed in 2011.  Under Cook County’s three year reassessment cycle, the next reassessment for Oak Park properties will take place in 2014.  Even in non-reassessment years such as 2013, however, taxpayers can file appeals, as property values can change from year to year.  Taxpayers should be aware that the money-saving effects of a successful 2013 appeal will not appear on tax bills until the summer of calendar year 2014.

Release Date:  August 6, 2013