Property Tax FAQ
Who Does What?
Straight answers to the most common questions about Cook County's property-tax system.
Who determines my property's assessment?
The Cook County Assessor establishes the initial assessment. Property owners may then appeal assessed valuation to the independent Cook County Board of Review.
Who sets property-tax levies?
School districts, municipalities, park districts, Cook County and other taxing districts adopt levies stating the property-tax revenue they seek to collect.
Who calculates property-tax rates?
The Cook County Clerk calculates property-tax rates using taxing-district levies and taxable equalized assessed values.
Who applies the state equalization factor?
The Illinois Department of Revenue calculates Cook County's annual equalization factor, commonly called the state multiplier, to promote uniform assessment levels across Illinois.
Who sends and collects my tax bill?
The Cook County Treasurer prints and mails the bills, collects payments and distributes property-tax revenue to the taxing districts.
Does the Board of Review set my tax rate?
No. The Board reviews assessed valuations. It does not set tax rates or levies and does not issue property-tax bills.
If the Board lowers my assessment, will my bill definitely be lower than last year?
Not necessarily. A lower assessment makes your tax lower than it otherwise would have been, but your year-to-year bill can still change because other factors— including levies, exemptions, equalization and tax rates—can change.
Is assessed value the same as my tax bill?
No. Assessed value is one component used in the property-tax calculation. It is not the dollar amount of tax you owe.
Role Clarity
The Board of Review reviews assessments. It does not set tax rates, determine government levies, or issue property tax bills.