Welcome to my Web site!
Brendan Houlihan (center) at the Streamwood parade
In 2006, I won a battle to unseat the two-term Republican incumbent (formerly chairman of the Cook County Republican Party) for District 1 Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review. I ran as a reformer dedicated to property tax relief for working families in Cook County. My election sent a message that taxpayers are tired of business as usual.
Every day, I work to fulfill my campaign promise to reform the Board of Review and ensure fairness and transparency in the property tax appeal process. There is more work ahead of us. I invite you to use this site to read my story, learn more about the tax appeal process, and join me in the fight for the taxpayer!
Appealing Option for Homeowners
5/20/2010 By Robert Channick/ Special to the Tribune
For homeowners in Northbrook, Glenview and Northfield, upcoming seminars provide the last chance to get their 2009 assessments lowered before tax bills arrive in the fall.
With the window for appeals closing June 21 in Northfield Township, the Cook County Board of Review -- an independent agency empowered to reduce assessed property valuations -- will host sessions to help homeowners through the appeals process. The first will be Wednesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. in Northbrook Village Hall.
“We all have to pay our taxes, but we just want to make sure we’re paying them fairly,” said Commissioner Brendan Houlihan, who will lead the seminars.
The Cook County Board of Review is the second level of appeal for homeowners. Valuations were mailed to Northfield Township on Jan. 8, and homeowners had until Feb. 9 to appeal to the assessor’s office. On May 13, the results were published, opening a 30-45 day review window.
Hundreds Show Up for Assessment Appeal Forum
by Caroline Connors
More than 300 people flocked to Mt. Greenwood Park on May 24 in an attempt to reduce their property tax assessments.
In all, more than 200 appeals applications were filed with the Cook County Board of Review between 6 and 8 p.m., said Phil Utterback, outreach director with the Board of Review. The high number of appeals is in keeping with a trend throughout the county, which has seen an increase of approximately 100,000 appeals over last year, he said.
The event was hosted by the 19th Ward and the Board of Review, an agency independent of the Cook County Assessor (the assessor sets the valuation for tax purposes on all real estate located in Cook County). Residents of Lake Township, which includes Beverly, Morgan Park and Mt. Greenwood, have until June 21 to file appeals for their property tax assessments, and the event was designed to facilitate that process, Utterback said.
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Brendan Houlihan spoke at the program, explaining the appeals process, while members of his staff circulated among attendees at Mt. Greenwood Park and answered questions. Houlihan said his goal with the outreach programs is to inform homeowners of the options available to them when they disagree with the assessments on their property tax bills.
“Businesses do this every year, and homeowners can do it, too,” Houlihan said.
Question of the month
Q: Why is the Board of Review important to me?
A: The Board of Review was created by the state legislature to serve as a checks and balances on the Assessor’s office. Every year, a taxpayer who feels their home is over valued can appeal with the Board based on numerous factors. The Board is also the last avenue of appeals before tax bills come out in the Fall. Appeals can lead to significant savings in your tax bill based on, but not limited to: a lack in uniformity with similar homes in the neighborhood, square footage errors, and damage due to flood or fire.
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Contact Info
Taxpayers for Houlihan
P.O. Box 534
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Phone: (708) 837-8753
E-mail: brendan@brendanhoulihan.com
