Rieff Schramm Kanter & Guttman

Rieff Schramm Kanter & Guttman brings decades of tax law expertise to property owners throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. Their team specializes in property tax appeals and assessment challenges, helping both residential and commercial clients reduce their annual tax burden through strategic legal representation. The firm's approach combines thorough property valuation analysis with aggressive advocacy before local assessment boards and courts. They've successfully handled thousands of property tax cases, securing significant reductions for clients ranging from individual homeowners to major commercial developers. Their attorneys understand the complexities of Cook County's assessment system and know how to present compelling evidence for lower valuations.

The firm provides comprehensive property tax appeal services including initial assessment reviews, formal appeals preparation, and representation at hearings. They conduct detailed property inspections and market analysis to identify assessment errors and overvaluations. Their commercial property tax services cover office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, and multi-family residential properties. For residential clients, they handle homestead exemption applications, senior citizen exemptions, and disability exemptions in addition to standard appeals. The team also provides ongoing assessment monitoring services, alerting clients to significant increases and potential appeal opportunities. They work with certified appraisers and real estate professionals to build strong cases supported by comparable sales data, income analysis, and cost approach valuations. Administrative appeals through the Cook County Assessor's office and Board of Review are handled efficiently, with litigation support available for complex cases requiring court intervention.

The process begins with a free consultation where attorneys review your property tax bill and recent assessment notices. They'll explain your appeal options and evaluate the strength of your case based on comparable properties and market data. If you decide to proceed, the team conducts a comprehensive property analysis including on-site inspections and market research. They prepare all necessary documentation and file appeals within required deadlines. Throughout the process, you'll receive regular updates on case progress and hearing schedules. The firm handles all communications with assessor offices and represents you at hearings, presenting evidence and arguments for reduced assessments.

The firm serves Chicago and all of Cook County, including suburbs like Evanston, Oak Park, and Cicero. They also handle cases in DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties. Their deep knowledge of local assessment practices and relationships with area officials benefit clients throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area. They're licensed to practice in all Illinois state courts for complex appeals requiring litigation.