A: You can appeal your property tax bill yourself, or hire an attorney. A tax appeal attorney will have a greater chance of success since they have experience and know the deadlines and local rules surrounding property tax appeals. They also usually only charge a percentage of the first year’s savings.

In Cook County, there are two offices to appeal with: the Cook County Assessor and the Cook County Board of Review. You can appeal with either, or both, of the offices. There is no downside to filing an appeal. You can only save money (your taxes won’t increase after a failed appeal).