Condo Association Property Tax Appeals: How Board Presidents Can Lower Taxes for Every Unit Owner

Condo associations in Cook County have a unique opportunity to file property tax appeals on behalf of every unit owner in the building. Under the Illinois Condominium Property Act, the association, through its board, can retain an attorney to represent the entire building in a single appeal. This is far more efficient and effective than having individual owners file separately.

Why Association-Level Appeals Make Sense

When a condo association files on behalf of the entire building, the appeal covers all units with consistent evidence and argumentation. This creates a stronger case because the comparable data and building-wide analysis applies uniformly. It also eliminates the risk of conflicting individual appeals that could undermine each other.

Importantly, if the association files an appeal, individual unit owners cannot file separately for that same tax year. Board presidents should communicate the appeal strategy to all owners and ensure the building is represented collectively.

Common Reasons Condo Assessments Are Too High

Condo assessments in Cook County frequently contain errors that inflate the tax burden for every unit owner. The assessor may have incorrect square footage for individual units. The building's overall condition, including deferred maintenance, aging mechanicals, or needed capital improvements, may not be reflected in the assessment. Market conditions in the neighborhood may have softened, but assessments have not been adjusted accordingly.

Buildings in areas experiencing changing market dynamics, such as neighborhoods where new construction has suppressed resale values for older condos, are particularly likely to be overassessed.

What Board Presidents Need to Do

As a board president, you should first confirm that no individual owners have already filed appeals for the current tax year. Then, contact a property tax attorney who handles association-level appeals. The attorney will need building-wide information including the total number of units, individual unit assessments, recent sales within the building, and any documentation of building condition issues.

The attorney handles the appeal from filing through resolution, and most work on a contingency fee basis, meaning the association pays nothing unless a reduction is achieved.

How Savings Flow to Individual Owners

When the association wins a building-wide assessment reduction, the savings are distributed proportionally to each unit owner through their individual tax bills. A 15 percent reduction across a 50-unit building can collectively save owners tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Annual Appeals Are the Standard

Large residential properties in Cook County generally require annual analysis and appeal to maintain the lowest possible taxes. Market conditions, comparable sales, and building condition change every year. Board presidents who make annual tax appeals a standard part of association governance are providing real financial value to their owners.

Get Started with a Building-Wide Appeal

If you are a condo board president or property manager in Cook County and want to explore a building-wide property tax appeal, contact Younis Law Group. We handle association appeals for buildings of all sizes and will provide a complimentary analysis of your building's assessment to determine whether an appeal is likely to succeed.