Darryl Lloyd never imagined he’d open his property tax bill to find an astronomical amount of over $30,000—a staggering 1,567% increase from the previous year’s $1,800.
The new assessment valued Lloyd’s modest 1950s home in Chicago Heights at over $1 million, a figure that seemed ludicrous to him. Lloyd had purchased his three-bedroom, one-bathroom house for $115,000 in 2006 and estimated its current market value to be just over $180,000.
“I was literally devastated when I saw that increase,” Lloyd told FOX 32 Chicago. “I see 960 square feet. I don’t have a second floor. I don’t have a basement.” As a diesel mechanic and safety inspector who was relying on disability benefits due to an injury, Lloyd was at a loss on how he would come up with the funds. “I will have to move in with a relative or something,” he said. “I can’t afford it.”
Lloyd’s situation is not unique. Over 4,400 homes in Cook County have been incorrectly valued and assessed, leading to unjustly inflated property tax bills. Initially, Lloyd attempted to address the issue with the Cook County Tax Assessor’s Office but was met with indifference. “I told them that I had a substantial increase, and they were like, ‘everybody’s taxes increase,'” he recounted.
However, after Lloyd reached out to FOX 32 Chicago, the news station contacted the Assessor’s Office, which confirmed the exorbitant tax bill was indeed an error. “This property was given an incorrect assessment due to a permit that was unintentionally applied to the property,” a representative from the office stated. “We will process a corrected tax bill for this property in the coming weeks, ensuring that the homeowner will ultimately pay the right amount in property taxes.”
Lloyd isn’t alone in his predicament. FOX 32’s analysis revealed that the Assessor’s Office had miscalculated land values for over 4,400 homes in the south and southwest suburbs, resulting in major over-assessments for properties on larger plots of land. “If it happened to me, it probably happened to other people. I’d like to see immediate action,” Lloyd said.
If you find yourself in a similar situation with an incorrect property tax bill, it’s essential to understand the process of property tax calculation. Typically, property taxes are determined using your local tax rate and the current market value of your property, estimated by an assessor. This information is often available on your local tax office’s website, which can provide a breakdown of the property tax calculation.
Researching tax estimates for comparable properties in your area can help you verify whether your tax bill aligns with others. Additionally, check for exemptions, as some states and municipalities offer tax relief for older adults, veterans, or individuals with disabilities.
If you’re certain your property tax bill is incorrect, you can file an appeal with your local tax office. Be prepared to pay a small filing fee and possibly hire a lawyer. The appeal process might be slow, and there’s no guarantee of a reduction; in fact, the reviewer might find that your assessment is too low and increase it instead. Therefore, ensure you have a strong case before filing an appeal.
Lloyd’s experience highlights the importance of vigilance and advocacy in property tax matters. Errors in property assessments can have severe financial implications, and it’s crucial for homeowners to be proactive in addressing discrepancies. While the Cook County Assessor’s Office has committed to correcting Lloyd’s tax bill, the broader issue of inaccurate property assessments remains a concern for many residents.
For those affected by such errors, immediate action and persistence are key. Engaging with local tax offices, leveraging media attention, and understanding one’s rights and resources can make a significant difference. As Lloyd’s case shows, it’s possible to rectify mistakes, but it requires awareness and determination from homeowners.
