Compare the real economics

How much does a Cook County property tax appeal cost?

Filing your own residential appeal with the Cook County Assessor or Board of Review does not require a County filing fee. Your real choice is whether you spend your own time on the analysis, pay a flat fee for software or preparation help, or hire professional representation under that provider's fee arrangement.

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Three common cost models.

Question DIY alone Simple Tax Appeal Professional

Cash cost County filing is free; your cost is mainly your time and any optional outside help. $49 flat for one property and assessment year. Varies by provider and engagement.

Comp research You do it. Included in the software analysis. Handled according to the provider's service.

Who files You. You, using prepared materials and guidance. Depends on the engagement and representation rules.

Assessor + Board You manage each available stage. Materials for both stages are included. Confirm which stages are included before signing.

Fee tied to savings? No. No. $49 is fixed. Depends on the fee arrangement.

Who keeps savings You keep 100%. You keep 100%. Read the agreement; a contingency fee can be based on defined savings.

County filing itself

DIY does not require paying a lawyer or the County to file.

The Assessor states that homeowners do not need a lawyer, tax representative, or appraiser to file an assessed-valuation appeal, and its homeowner guidance says there is no filing fee. The Board of Review likewise states that filing is free and that an individual taxpayer may represent property held in their own name.

Assessor: Frequently asked questions ↗ Board of Review: Frequently asked questions ↗

Free DIY has a time cost.

The form is only part of the job. A homeowner who handles everything manually may need to verify the property record, find candidate comps, reject weak comparisons, calculate the requested value, organize evidence, watch the filing window, and prepare a second-stage case if they continue to the Board.

See where the time actually goes →

Flat fee vs. contingency: compare the contract, not the slogan.

Flat fee You know the cash charge in advance. Ask exactly what stages, analysis, filing materials, or representation are included.

Contingency fee The fee depends on a defined savings result. Ask how savings are calculated, which tax period is used, and whether the fee applies only after a reduction.

Stage-specific charges Do not assume an Assessor engagement automatically includes the Board of Review or later venues. Ask before paying.

No reduction Read what happens if there is no reduction: no fee, refund, credit, or no refund can all be different commercial models.

What does the $49 Simple Tax Appeal package include?

One purchase covers one property and assessment year. The package includes the comparable-property analysis, the requested-value calculation, filing-ready materials for the Assessor and Board of Review stages, and submission guidance. You submit the appeal yourself and keep 100% of any savings.

$49 flat One property / assessment year Assessor + Board materials You keep 100% of any savings

See what is in the filing package →

Questions to ask before paying any provider.

What exactly is the fee, and what triggers it?
Does the fee change based on the amount of savings?
Does the service include the Assessor, the Board of Review, or both?
If the first stage is denied, is the next stage included or separately charged?
Who actually researches the evidence and who files the appeal?
Can you inspect the evidence and requested value before or after purchase?
What happens if there is no reduction?

Use the full service buyer's checklist →

Check your property

Check the evidence before deciding which cost model makes sense.

See what the evidence says

Provider fees and engagement terms vary. Review the current written terms before hiring any service or professional.