How to file a Board of Review appeal in Illinois
The form, the evidence, the copies, and the order to do them in.
The mechanics are the same across most Illinois counties, with local variation in forms and copy counts.
1. Talk to the township assessor first
If something in the record is factually wrong, the assessor can often fix it without a hearing. This is faster, carries no risk of the board reviewing your whole assessment, and sometimes ends the matter.
2. Get the form
From the Board of Review, usually downloadable. It asks for the PIN, your opinion of correct value, and the basis — uniformity, market value, or a factual error.
3. State a specific requested value
"Too high" is not a request. Name a number and show the arithmetic that produces it. A board can only grant something specific.
4. Attach the evidence
For uniformity: comparable parcels with PINs, addresses, characteristics and assessments, from the county's own records. For market value: recent arm's-length sales, or an appraisal. For a factual error: photographs, plans, a survey, contractor documentation.
5. File the required copies by the deadline
Counties differ — some want three sets, some accept electronic filing. Check, and keep a stamped copy or confirmation.
6. Expect a hearing offer
Many appeals are decided on the papers. If a hearing is scheduled, going is usually worth it, and it is normally short and informal.