Presenter outlines options for property tax appeals as late bills complicate cycle

An unidentified presenter told attendees that Dolton property owners who bought, appraised or refinanced their homes within the past three years may have grounds to appeal their property tax assessments. “If you purchased your property in the past 3 years and just say the assessor is saying your property is worth 300,000 and you only paid 200,000, That is a discrepancy,” the presenter said.

The presenter said owners may also submit a recent appraisal or documentation of a refinance as evidence in an appeal. For properties that are vacant or have suffered damage, the presenter listed fire, flood and water damage as qualifying conditions and said owners should provide insurance claims, photographs of damage and records of any FEMA funds received.

The presenter emphasized timing requirements for appeals, stating that supporting evidence must be submitted within the tax year. “If you have recently, completed an appraisal or you've had your property refinanced in the past 3 years, you can submit that as evidence as well,” the presenter said.

Addressing the town’s tax cycle, the presenter noted that tax bills were delayed this year. “Now, you guys know your tax bills were late. Right? You were supposed to get those several months ago, but you didn't get it until a December 15 due date,” the presenter said, and added the session would review where the process “kinda went off key.”

The session offered practical steps for owners considering an appeal: gather purchase documents, appraisals or refinance records from the past three years; collect photographic and insurance evidence for damage claims; and confirm that all materials fall within the applicable tax year. The presenter said the meeting would continue into the tax cycle discussion to explain next steps and timelines.