<div class="body" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; color:#222;"><p>Property taxes in Cook County are entering a new phase. Following the recent primary election, Pat Hynes is expected to take office in December 2026, succeeding Fritz Kaegi. This transition comes at a time when assessment practices, market conditions, and shifting tax burdens have combined to create noticeable changes in how property taxes are distributed. For property owners, understanding these changes is critical to anticipating what may lie ahead in 2026 and beyond.</p><p>To understand what may come next, it is helpful to examine how assessments evolved during the current administration.</p><hr><h3>Under Fritz Kaegi</h3><p><strong>Years in Office:</strong> December 3, 2018 – Present (April 2026)</p><p>During this period, the Cook County Assessor’s Office expanded the use of data-driven valuation models alongside a broader modernization of its administrative systems. Assessment outcomes were shaped by COVID-19–related adjustments, shifting market conditions, and increased dispersion in assessed values across property types, particularly between residential and commercial properties.</p><p>A key component of this modernization was the implementation of a unified Integrated Property Tax System (IPTS), developed in collaboration with Tyler Technologies to replace legacy infrastructure. The rollout was marked by delays and reporting issues, which affected the timing of tax bill processing, delaying billing cycles by approximately six months and creating downstream effects on related processes, including Certificates of Error and the timing of revenue distribution to taxing bodies.</p><p>Assessment determinations were also frequently revised through the appeals process, including at the Board of Review, with differences between initial and final valuations reflected in appeal outcomes and the distribution of the tax burden across properties.</p><p>During the COVID-19 period, valuation models were applied using assumptions informed by prior economic downturns, including the 2007 financial crisis. Subsequent market developments diverged from those assumptions, particularly in the residential sector, where values increased in many areas while segments of the commercial market weakened. The sequence of initial downward adjustments followed by upward reassessments in line with market conditions contributed to greater variability in assessed values across assessment cycles.</p><p>In addition to administrative and assessment-related factors, external market conditions also played a significant role in shaping outcomes.</p><hr><h3>Market Conditions and Shifting Tax Burdens</h3><p>Beyond administrative challenges, broader market conditions have played a significant role in how property taxes are distributed. As of early 2026, Chicago’s downtown office vacancy rate reached a record high of 28.6%, reflecting sustained pressure on the commercial real estate market.</p><p>As commercial values decline, the tax burden does not disappear—it shifts. In many cases, that burden has been redistributed toward residential property owners, contributing to higher tax bills even where individual property characteristics remained unchanged.</p><p>Against this backdrop of administrative changes and shifting market conditions, the recent election of Pat Hynes signals a potential shift in focus toward the underlying fundamentals of the assessment system.</p><hr><h3>Incoming Assessor: Pat Hynes</h3><p>With the election of Pat Hynes, attention is expected to turn toward strengthening the core inputs that drive assessment accuracy. Hynes brings more than 30 years of experience in property assessment, including over two decades within the Cook County Assessor’s Office and recent service as Lyons Township Assessor. His background includes field-level experience evaluating properties, as well as professional credentials as a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer.</p><p>Hynes has emphasized the importance of accurate and complete property data as the foundation for consistent valuations, pointing to gaps in property records, missed new construction, and outdated information as contributors to variation in assessed values. His approach is expected to prioritize improvements in data collection, record maintenance, and the accurate capture of property characteristics across the tax base.</p><p>While operational changes may take time to implement, the focus on data quality and system fundamentals is intended to support more consistent and predictable assessment outcomes over time.</p><hr><h3>What This Means for Property Owners</h3><p>While new leadership introduces the potential for improvement, changes to a system of this scale take time. Property owners should expect a continued period of adjustment as processes are refined and data accuracy improves.</p><p>At the same time, the core dynamics of the property tax system remain unchanged. Assessments are still based on mass appraisal models, and market conditions will continue to influence how tax burdens are distributed. In addition, inaccuracies in property data can still lead to over-assessments.</p><p style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">As a result, careful review and proactive appeal remain essential to ensuring a fair and accurate property tax burden.</p><hr><h3>2026 Appeal Requirements &amp; Updates</h3><p><strong>📸 Property Photo Requirement</strong></p><p>A current, front-facing photo of the property is required for all appeals. The photo must be taken on or after January 1, 2026, include a visible date stamp, and clearly show the condition of the property.</p><p><strong>🏷️ Recent Purchase (Last 2 Years)</strong></p><p>If the property being appealed was purchased within the last two years, the County requires disclosure of the buyer and seller, along with the purchase price and date. This information is used to determine whether the sale qualifies as an <b>arm’s-length transaction</b>, meaning a valid market sale for assessment purposes.</p><p>If applicable, please provide your purchase contract or closing statement, and we will review the documentation to ensure all required information is included.</p><p><strong>🏚️ Vacancy Relief</strong></p><p>Vacancy or damage-related relief is limited to a maximum of 24 months per event. This may apply to situations such as vacant commercial properties or properties with significant damage, including fire or major structural issues.</p><p><strong>🎖️ World War II Veterans Exemption</strong></p><p>World War II Veterans may qualify for a <b>100% property tax exemption</b>, regardless of disability status.</p><ul><li>Must have served between December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946</li><li>Property must be the veteran’s primary residence</li><li>Surviving spouses may also qualify</li></ul><hr><h3>📅 Get Ahead of the 2026 Appeal Season</h3><p>The Board of Review is currently processing <b>2025 appeal groups 6–7</b>, with results continuing to be released on a rolling basis.</p><p>The 2026 assessment cycle is expected to begin shortly following the recent annual Assessor meeting, with updated property values anticipated in the coming weeks. While townships have not officially opened yet, now is the ideal time to <b>get your appeal application in place</b> so we are prepared to act immediately once filings begin.</p><p>By getting ahead with Xpress Tax Appeals, we can review your property in advance, identify potential over-assessment issues early, and prepare your appeal for filing as soon as your township opens. We actively monitor township openings and file appeals promptly—ensuring you don’t miss your window.</p><hr><h3>🏆 Why Xpress Tax Appeals</h3><p>At Xpress Tax Appeals, we’ve helped thousands of Cook County homeowners reduce their property tax bills by challenging inaccurate assessments. With over 19 years of experience, certified assessment professionals (CIAO and IAAO-trained), and an A+ BBB rating, we’re proud to be one of the county’s most trusted appeal consultants—known for honest service and proven results.</p><hr><h3>🤝 Refer a Friend</h3><p>Referral credits are available for current clients who introduce new property owners to Xpress Tax Appeals. When your referral gets started, you’ll receive a <b>$25 credit</b>.</p><hr><p>In pursuit of the lowest possible tax bill,</p> <p> Jason R. Terrell<br /> President | Certified Illinois Assessing Officer<br /> Xpress Tax Appeals<br /> Cook County’s Most Trusted Property Tax Experts <br/> 📞 888-959-4824 </p></div>