Chicago homeowners wanting to contest their property's assessed value no longer need to finagle paper downtown or file via snail mail.
The new online, paperless filing system, debuted Tuesday by the county Assessor’s Office and Bureau of Technology, allows residents to dispute assessments -- to ultimately lower property taxes -- at cookcountyboardofreview.com.
The online process aims to make filing more convenient for taxpayers and the review board, which reviewed more than 380,000 appeals last year of assessed value on property in Cook County.
“Collaborative efforts like this one are making the Cook County tax system more open and accessible to the tax payers," Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement, "and that is a significant step forward.”
In the past, residents had to file appeals in triplicate and deliver them to the Board of Review. Now they can choose between filing online or in person. Even with the paperless method, commissioners say, homeowners will have the opportunity to attend their board hearing.
"This will provide access to a greater number of citizens seeking review of their property assessments," said Commissioner Larry Rogers, Jr.
Preckwinkle said the system is one of the first steps in modernizing the board to make appeals easier for taxpayers.
“By moving the appeal process online, the Board of Review is leveling the playing field for taxpayers, giving everyone the opportunity to voice their concerns and receive a fair assessment,” said Commissioner Michael Cabonargi.
