Farlap & Associates

Farlap & Associates brings over two decades of property tax expertise to Chicago area property owners. Their team of certified assessors and tax professionals has successfully reduced property taxes for thousands of residential and commercial clients throughout Cook County. The firm specializes in challenging overassessed properties through detailed market analysis and strategic appeals. They understand local assessment practices and maintain strong relationships with county officials, which helps streamline the appeals process. Their track record includes securing significant reductions for properties ranging from single-family homes to large commercial complexes.

Property tax assessment appeals form the core of their practice, covering both residential and commercial properties. They conduct thorough property valuations using comparable sales data, income analysis, and cost approaches to identify overassessments. Their commercial division handles complex property types including office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, and multi-family housing. Residential services include homestead exemption applications, senior citizen exemptions, and disability exemptions that many homeowners overlook. They also provide consultation on new construction assessments and help clients understand their annual assessment notices. For commercial clients, they offer ongoing assessment monitoring, lease analysis for income-producing properties, and coordination with property management teams. Their valuation experts prepare detailed reports that support appeals with solid documentation and market evidence.

The process begins with a free property assessment review where they analyze your current assessment against market data. If they identify potential savings, they'll provide a clear fee structure and timeline for your appeal. Once engaged, they gather property documentation, conduct site visits when necessary, and prepare comprehensive valuation reports. They handle all filing requirements and deadlines with the Board of Review. Throughout the appeals process, they provide regular updates and represent you at hearings if required. Most residential appeals resolve within 6-8 months, while commercial cases may take longer due to complexity.

Primary service area covers Cook County, including Chicago, Evanston, and surrounding suburbs. They also handle cases in DuPage, Lake, and Will counties for existing clients or complex commercial properties. Their deep understanding of Cook County's assessment practices gives them particular advantages in this jurisdiction, where they've built relationships over many years of successful appeals.