Park Ridge and Niles homeowners can challenge their property tax assessments starting Monday, Aug. 31. The Cook County Board of Review opens Maine Township's filing window that day, with a deadline of Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The appeal period comes as north suburban homeowners absorb a 6.7% jump in median tax bills this year, to $8,007, following the 2025 reassessment cycle. The residential share of the tax burden in the north suburbs rose to 64.5%, up from 62.4% the prior year, according to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas's annual analysis reported by the Chicago Tribune on Aug. 24.
Filing is free.
Homeowners can submit appeals online at cookcountyboardofreview.com, through an attorney or tax representative, or in person at 118 N. Clark St., Chicago, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A pre-file period for non-attorneys is already open and will close once Maine Township's window officially opens Aug. 31.
The Board of Review is the second level of appeal in Cook County's property tax system. It independently reviews decisions made by the Cook County Assessor's Office. The board considers evidence including comparable property sales, market value data and property characteristics.
Maine Township is one of six townships in the second group opening Aug. 31. The others are Berwyn, Cicero, Elk Grove, Lakeview and Palos. During the 2025 tax year, the board processed a record 290,533 appeals countywide, according to its announcement of the 2026 appeal season.
"Taxpayers need assistance now more than ever with their assessments and relief mechanisms to protect against skyrocketing tax bills," Board of Review District 3 Commissioner Larry R. Rogers, Jr. said at a press conference in August 2025, when the board urged property owners not to wait to file.
Tax bills reflecting the 2025 reassessment are set to arrive by Aug. 31, with payment due Thursday, Oct. 1. The Sept. 29 appeal deadline gives homeowners roughly four weeks after receiving their bills to file. The board's help desk can be reached at 312-603-5542.
