Your property tax bill represents your share of the budgets approved by local taxing bodies for their operations. Property taxes are one of the main sources of funding for local government services, such as park districts, fire districts and especially public education. If you believe your taxes are too high, you should:

1. check with the Cook County Assessor’s Office to be sure you are receiving the property tax exemptions to which you are entitled.
2. check your property’s assessed value and property characteristics and, if incorrect, file an appeal with the Cook County Assessor’s Office.
3. note the spending requests of your local governing bodies.