It is possible for your mortgage company to increase your monthly escrow payment due to an increase in real estate taxes. Property taxes can increase due to a reassessment, an increase in your local tax rate or an increase in the state equalization factor. The state equalization factor (often called the “multiplier”) is applied by the Illinois Department of Revenue to all property in Cook County to equalize assessments throughout the state. You should call the Assessor’s Office at (312) 443-7550 to be sure you are receiving all the property tax exemptions for which you are entitled.