New law clarifies deadline on property tax challenges

From Illinois Business Journal news services

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a measure clarifying deadlines on property tax appeals.

Sponsored by state Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake, among others,House Bill 2554 helps property taxpayers who seek to appeal an assessment by making it easier to meet filing deadlines. Under the new law, a challenge will be considered to be filed on time if it is postmarked by the deadline. Under the current law, a challenge misses the deadline if it arrives in the mail after the date in question.

“This makes the property tax assessment challenge process much more fair to taxpayers,” Bush said. “With this change, we are guaranteeing constituents that if they mail their challenge on time, there is no question they have met the deadline to appeal their property taxes.”

The new law takes effect Jan. 1.