Fight High Illinois Property Taxes
By combining education with a clear path to action, the site encourages Illinois residents to take an active role in shaping state and local policies to drive property tax relief. Learn how to take actionable steps to reduce your property taxes and get involved in property tax reform efforts to bring down the tax burden for all Illinois’ residents.
Property tax calculator
Discover how your residential property taxes stack up against other counties and states! By simply entering your property information, you can instantly see potential savings and explore tax relief options tailored to your unique situation.
Disclaimer: This calculator/webpage is an estimate and is not intended to as financial or legal advice as to tax liability. Please consult a tax professional as to your personal tax liability.
Where Illinois is right now
Property taxes are the single largest tax in Illinois and our rates are the 2nd highest in the nation, placing a significant financial burden on homeowners and renters alike. Despite repeated attempts to address this issue, including the formation of property tax relief commissions in 1982, 1996, 1998, 2009, 2019 and 2024, meaningful reforms have failed to materialize from the Illinois legislature, and the problem has only gotten worse.
Ultimately, without a commitment to substantive reform, Illinois residents will continue to face escalating property tax rates and a lack of accountability in local taxation.
What solutions are available
Taxpayer Empowerment Act
Illinois HB 2543, introduced by Rep. Joe Sosnowski, aims to empower taxpayers by providing mechanisms for both non-binding and binding referendums initiated by petitions signed by registered voters within a taxing district to reduce property tax levies by up to 10%. Send a letter to IL Legislators to make your voice heard (Opens in new tab).
Truth-in-Taxation
Truth in Taxation legislation empowers property owners by requiring local governments to be transparent about tax increases and justify any hike beyond a revenue-neutral rate.
A Real Property Tax Relief Package
Tell legislators to pass real reforms to bring down property taxes. HB 9 creates a fund to reduce property taxes using pension reform savings, HB 2543 lets voters bring referendums to reduce property taxes, and HB 1142 requires voter approval for new TIF districts. If enacted, these reforms will help lower property tax bills and restore affordability for Illinois residents. Take Action
Support Property Tax Reductions
Illinoisans are in dire need of property tax relief. The average Illinoisan pays a property tax burden is 1.95% of home value, which is double the national average and second highest in the country. Read more about Illinois Compiled Statutes (Opens in new tab).
How to appeal property taxes
Under the Illinois Property Tax Code, property assessments should reflect the fair cash value (market value) of the property. Appeals may be made following the annual publishing of the assessment list by a township or county, usually up to 30 days after.
Step 1: Review Your Assessment
Review for errors in the assessment. Common errors include inaccurate property size, building condition errors, age errors, and improper zoning classifications.
Step 2: Compare to Similar Properties Nearby
Similar nearby properties (square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, building condition, etc.) with lower assessments may indicate an unequal assessment process, allowing for an appeal to lower your valuation. Most Illinois assessors maintain websites with this information. Recent property sales are the most weighted comparison.
Step 3: File for Reassessment or Exemptions
Within 30 days of the annual publication of the assessment list, property owners can file for a reassessment or apply for eligible property tax exemptions. Common exemptions include general homestead, senior citizens homestead, senior citizens assessment freeze, home improvement, disabled persons, disabled veterans, and returning veterans.
Urge legislators to back the Taxpayer Empowerment Act.
Politicians have been raising sky high property taxes for decades. It’s time to empower citizens to bring property taxes back down to earth. The Taxpayer Empowerment Act allows citizens to circulate non-binding and binding referendums to reduce property tax levies by up to 10% in a taxing district.