Maine Township helps residents file tax appeals at no charge

“If Maine Township residents receive letters, see news postings or ads with the Maine Township logo from companies publicizing real estate tax appeal services for a fee, we want them to know that the Maine Township Assessor’s office always files appeals for residents at no charge,” said Maine Township Supervisor Laura J. Morask.

Although the June 7 deadline has passed for Maine Township residents 2019 property tax appeals, residents will have a second opportunity to appeal the 2019 assessment with the Cook County Board of Review sometime in August or September through the Maine Township Assessor Office. Although specific dates have not yet been determined, residents can check the Cook County Board of Review website, the Maine Township website, or call the township office beginning in August to determine when Maine Township will open for appeals. “During that time our office will sponsor an appeal seminar with date to be determined,” said Assessor Susan Moylan Krey.

In addition to administering the rules and regulations of the Cook County Assessor’s Office and the statutes of Cook County, the Maine Township Assessor’s Office serves as liaison between the residents of Maine Township and the Cook County Assessor’s Office. “Without the township, residents would have to file appeals at the Cook County Assessor’s offices in Skokie or downtown Chicago,” said Krey.

The Cook County Assessor’s Office is responsible for estimating property value, which determines assessed valuation of the property, according to Krey. She added that this assessed valuation determines the overall share of taxes a property owner must pay. “This year we handled more than 4000 residents during the 2019 appeal period which ran from May 7 to June 7,” Krey noted.

With all the cost cutting at the county offices, servicing the residents has become difficult, a situation that is unacceptable according to Krey. “Our office is knowledgeable, efficient and cross trained to answer questions offering the highest level of service to our Maine Township residents,” she said.

For more information about the Assessor’s office and on all Township departments and services, visit www.mainetown.com, call 847-297-2510 or stop by Town Hall during business hours.