Michael Brennock

Property Tax Consultant in Chicago, Illinois

5(2 reviews)
(312) 641-0363166 W Washington St, Ste 166, Chicago, IL 60602View on Yelp

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About Michael Brennock

Michael Brennock combines decades of real estate law expertise with specialized property tax appeal knowledge to help Chicago area property owners reduce their tax burden. His firm focuses exclusively on assessment disputes and valuation challenges, bringing both legal acumen and deep understanding of Cook County assessment practices. The practice serves residential homeowners facing unexpected tax increases and commercial property owners dealing with complex valuation issues. Brennock's background in estate planning also helps clients understand how property tax decisions impact long-term wealth preservation and inheritance planning.

Services

Real Estate Law
Estate Planning Law
Tax Law

How They Can Help

Michael Brennock offers comprehensive property tax appeal services starting with detailed assessment reviews and market value analysis. The firm handles residential appeals for single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-unit properties, as well as commercial appeals for office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial properties. Specific services include filing formal appeals with the Cook County Assessor's Office, representing clients before the Board of Review, and pursuing cases through the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board when necessary. The firm also provides pre-appeal consultations to evaluate potential savings, comparative market analysis using recent sales data, and ongoing monitoring of assessment changes. For commercial clients, services extend to specialized industrial property valuations, income approach analyses for rental properties, and coordination with appraisers and other experts.

What to Expect

The appeal process begins with a comprehensive property assessment review where Brennock analyzes your current tax bill, recent assessment changes, and comparable property values in your neighborhood. He'll explain whether your property appears over-assessed and estimate potential tax savings. If an appeal is warranted, the firm prepares all necessary documentation, including property descriptions, photographs, and comparable sales evidence. Brennock handles all communication with the assessor's office and represents you at hearings if required. Throughout the process, you'll receive regular updates on case progress and next steps. The firm tracks all deadlines and ensures appeals are filed within required timeframes.

Service Area

Michael Brennock serves all of Cook County, Illinois, including Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The firm is particularly familiar with assessment practices in Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, from Lincoln Park condominiums to South Side single-family homes. Commercial property expertise extends throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area, with experience in downtown Loop office buildings, suburban retail centers, and industrial properties in areas like Cicero and Blue Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my property is over-assessed?
Compare your assessed value to recent sales of similar properties in your area. If your assessment is significantly higher than market evidence suggests, you may have grounds for appeal.
What's the deadline for filing property tax appeals in Cook County?
Appeals must typically be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Missing this deadline usually means waiting until the next assessment cycle.
How much can I expect to save on my property taxes?
Savings vary based on the degree of over-assessment and local tax rates. Successful appeals often result in 10-30% reductions in assessed value, translating to similar tax savings.
Do I need to hire a lawyer for property tax appeals?
While not required, legal representation significantly improves success rates. Attorneys understand procedural requirements and can present stronger evidence packages.
What documents do I need for a property tax appeal?
Basic documents include your tax bill, assessment notice, property deed, and any recent appraisals. Your attorney will help gather additional supporting evidence as needed.
Can I appeal my property taxes every year?
In Cook County, you can appeal annually, but residential properties are only reassessed every three years. Appeals in non-reassessment years are typically limited to specific circumstances.
How long does the appeal process take?
Most appeals are resolved within 3-6 months, though complex cases or those requiring Board of Review hearings may take longer. You'll receive regular updates throughout the process.
Will appealing my property taxes trigger an audit or increase scrutiny?
No, filing an appeal is a normal legal process and won't increase scrutiny of your other tax matters. Appeals are handled separately from income tax issues.

Think Your Property Is Over-Assessed?

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