Deerfield Township Assessor Offers Help on Property Tax Relief for Impacted Lake Forest Residents

Editor’s Note — This is the second story in a two-part series on property taxes in West Deerfield Township, which includes the southwest portion of Lake Forest.

Help is available for people who want to reduce their property taxes and the place to start is with

Since there is only 30 days to file an appeal, taxpayers must respond by Nov. 28. And usually their first stop is at Healy’s West Deerfield Township office to pick up the necessary appeal. The paperwork can also be downloaded at www.lakecountyil.gov/boardofreview. 

“We have had a flood of calls in recent years complaining about rising property tax assessments and many who have appealed to the County Board of Review,” Healy said. “However, this year is starting off rather slowly because property values have generally been declining in this recessionary economy.” 

Healy said on average he usually receives about 1,500 appeals, but this has been growing significantly in recent years because of rising tax rates, yet reductions in some housing values. 

“No one should pay more in property taxes than their fair share,” he said. 

Healy strongly encourages property owners to save on their taxes by taking advantage of the several state property tax exemptions.

These exemptions include a $6,000 general homestead exemption deduction, a $4,000 senior homestead exemption, a senior assessment freeze if total household income is under $55,000, a senior tax deferral loan at six percent interest, as well as disabled, home improvement and veterans exemptions. Further details on these exemptions are available through the township office. 

Chief County Assessment Officer Marty Paulson, who has the final authority in adjudicating appeal petitions through a Board of Review, said the volume of appeals throughout the county has grown four-fold over the past few years.

As a result, his office recently made changes in its tax appeals review process that now allows cases to be settled without appearing personally before the Board of Review in Waukegan.