Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax

Decoding Illinois Tax Law: Omitted Assessments & Legal Defenses

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Abigail Vaca and property tax attorney Nora Devine dive deep into the complex world of omitted assessments in Illinois property tax law. Nora explains how omitted assessments differ from regular property tax assessments, common scenarios leading to back taxes, and crucial legal defenses available to property owners.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:43 - Explanation of regular property tax assessments vs. omitted assessments
02:50 - Common scenarios leading to omitted assessments
05:52 - Legal defenses available for property owners
07:24 - Historical changes in omitted assessment laws
10:40 - Steps to challenge omitted assessments
12:22 - Property improvements and omitted assessments
13:47 - Important documentation for disputes
15:04 - Proactive steps for property owners
 
About the Show:
Devine Intervention features Nora Devine, a property tax attorney in private practice since 2005. With her statewide practice experience across all Illinois jurisdictions and property classes, Nora provides expert insights into navigating the complex world of Illinois property taxation.

The Property Tax Appeal Playbook: How to Choose the Best Lawyer

Episode Summary
In this episode of Devine Intervention, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with property tax attorney Nora Devine to break down the Illinois commercial property tax appeal process. With nearly two decades of experience, Nora provides valuable insights on why commercial property owners should appeal, how to collect the right documentation, and what strategies can strengthen an appeal. They discuss the differences between Cook County and other Illinois jurisdictions, vacancy relief, market rents, and key factors considered by the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB).
If you're a commercial property owner in Illinois looking to lower your tax liability, this episode is a must-listen.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Divine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax
00:06 – Introduction to Nora Divine, Illinois property tax attorney
00:34 – Why commercial property owners should always appeal in Cook County
01:05 – The push-pull between residential and commercial tax burdens
01:47 – How property tax assessments differ outside of Cook County
02:26 – Key documentation for a strong property tax appeal
04:44 – Choosing the right comparables (comps) for a property tax appeal
05:50 – The impact of high vacancy rates on tax assessments
06:50 – How to leverage income and expense data for an appeal
07:54 – The process of working with a property tax attorney
09:48 – Are there cases where an appeal is not worth pursuing?
11:53 – Key factors considered by the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB)
13:11 – How to demonstrate an arm’s-length sale in an appeal
15:48 – Closing remarks and how to connect with Nora Divine
About the Show
Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is a podcast dedicated to helping property owners understand and navigate the complexities of Illinois property tax laws. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring expert insights from attorney Nora Devine, the show provides practical guidance on property tax appeals, assessments, and legal strategies to minimize tax liabilities.

How to Lose Your Property Tax Appeal: A Guide to What Not to do

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Divine Intervention, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with experienced property tax attorney Nora Divine to discuss the ins and outs of appealing property tax assessments in Illinois. They cover what business and commercial real estate owners should consider when hiring a property tax appeal attorney, red flags to watch out for, and the importance of working with a tech-enabled firm. Nora also sheds light on local tax assessment processes, legal due process, and the role of reputation and negotiation leverage in achieving favorable outcomes.
If you're navigating the complexities of Illinois property taxes and looking for expert insights on appeals, fees, and legal representation, this episode is a must-listen!
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Divine Intervention
00:06 – Introduction to Nora Divine and her expertise in property tax law
00:37 – Key qualities to look for in a property tax appeal attorney
01:29 – The shift toward tech-enabled tax appeal firms
03:50 – Why local tax assessment experience matters
06:48 – The impact of relationships with assessors and local tax boards
07:56 – Red flags when choosing a tax appeal attorney
10:15 – Key questions to ask during an initial consultation
11:33 – How to verify an attorney’s track record and reputation
12:18 – The role of technology in communication and efficiency
14:34 – Challenges with client communication and expectations
15:14 – How to contact Nora Divine for property tax appeal services
About the Show:
Divine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is a podcast dedicated to helping property owners navigate the complexities of Illinois’ tax system. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring property tax expert Nora Divine, the show explores key strategies for appealing tax assessments, understanding local regulations, and making informed decisions about legal representation.

How Property Tax Assessments are Determined

Episode Summary
In this episode of Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with property tax attorney Nora Devine to break down how property tax assessments are determined. They explore the factors assessors consider, how market conditions and comparable sales impact valuations, and common mistakes in the assessment process. Nora also provides insights on how homeowners and business owners can challenge inaccurate assessments and navigate the complexities of Illinois’ property tax system.
Timestamps
[00:00] – Welcome to Devine Intervention
[00:06] – Introduction to property tax attorney Nora Devine
[00:35] – How property tax assessments are determined
[02:25] – Standard methods vs. local variations in property valuation
[03:45] – How improvements, renovations, and location affect assessments
[06:48] – The impact of neighborhood changes and gentrification
[08:44] – The role of market conditions and comparable sales
[09:51] – Errors and inefficiencies in the assessment process
[12:14] – Common assessment inaccuracies and what to watch for
[13:34] – Special considerations for unique and historic properties
[15:32] – Steps to take if you believe your property assessment is incorrect
[17:41] – Accessing property tax data and navigating the appeals process
[18:04] – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Nora Devine
About the Show
Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is a podcast dedicated to helping property owners understand and navigate Illinois' complex property tax system. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring property tax attorney Nora Devine, the show provides expert insights on assessments, appeals, and strategies to manage property tax burdens effectively.

Appealing Your Property Taxes: What To Expect During The Process

Episode Summary
In this episode of Devine Intervention, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Nora Devine, a seasoned Illinois property tax attorney, to discuss the biggest mistakes property owners make when appealing their property tax assessments. From failing to check property records for errors to making legally irrelevant arguments, Nora breaks down what not to do if you want to successfully appeal your property tax assessment. She also shares expert insights on why understanding local assessor dynamics, gathering the right evidence, and avoiding excessive or misleading data are key to winning an appeal.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Devine Intervention and today’s topic: How to Lose Your Property Tax Appeal00:05 – Meet Nora Devine: Property tax attorney with statewide experience in Illinois00:43 – The #1 rule: First, do no harm – Why checking your property record card is crucial02:23 – Understanding the risks: Could your appeal actually increase your tax bill?03:00 – Why talking to your local assessor first can improve your appeal’s chances06:13 – Common mistakes: Why arguing that your taxes have doubled won’t work06:50 – What makes a legally relevant argument? The key data points you need07:55 – How to compare your property to others the right way08:58 – The role of personal bias in property valuations – Do people overestimate or underestimate their property’s value?10:50 – How property tax assessments differ inside and outside of Cook County11:16 – Is too much data a bad thing? When to include or exclude information in your appeal14:51 – When should you contact a property tax attorney?15:24 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Nora Devine
About the Show
Devine Intervention is a podcast dedicated to shedding light on Illinois property tax, helping property owners navigate the complex appeals process, and providing expert insights from Nora Devine, a top property tax attorney. Whether you're a homeowner or a commercial property owner, this podcast provides the knowledge you need to make informed tax decisions.
 

The Impact of Market Trends on Your Property Tax Assessment

Episode Summary
In this episode of Devine Intervention, host Kevin Rosenquist is joined by property tax attorney Nora Devine to explore how market trends affect property tax assessments in Illinois. They discuss past real estate cycles, including the 2006-2008 housing crash and the pandemic-driven market boom, and how these fluctuations influence assessments for homeowners and commercial property owners alike. The conversation also covers industrial and office real estate trends, assessment challenges, and the process for appealing unfair property tax evaluations.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Devine Intervention with host Kevin Rosenquist and guest Nora Devine00:05 – Introduction to Nora Devine, her background, and today’s topic: market trends and property tax assessments00:30 – The impact of past real estate cycles on property assessments02:00 – The 2006-2008 housing crash and its effect on property tax valuations03:45 – How pandemic-era low-interest rates and limited inventory drove prices up06:20 – The challenge of overvalued properties and how they affect assessments07:50 – Office real estate struggles post-pandemic and shifting demand in Chicago’s Loop09:53 – The impact of industrial growth on property values in Illinois11:19 – What homeowners can do if their assessment is unfair14:55 – How often property assessments are updated in Illinois and why the system lags behind market trends16:23 – The importance of timing when buying property and its effect on future tax assessments
About the Show
Devine Intervention is a podcast dedicated to shedding light on Illinois property tax issues. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring expert insights from property tax attorney Nora Devine, each episode explores key topics to help homeowners and business owners navigate the complex world of property taxation.
 

Unlocking Illinois Property Tax Exemptions: What You Need to Know

Episode Summary
In this episode of Devine's Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Nora Devine, a property tax attorney with nearly two decades of experience, to discuss Illinois property tax exemptions. They break down the different exemptions available, common misconceptions, and the best steps homeowners can take to ensure they’re getting the tax relief they deserve.
From understanding homeowners exemptions to navigating senior freezes and avoiding unnecessary fees, this episode is packed with valuable insights for Illinois property owners. Nora also shares real-life examples and practical tips for applying for exemptions, dealing with assessor’s offices, and ensuring a smooth process.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Devine's Intervention and today’s topic
00:32 – Common property tax exemptions in Illinois and who qualifies
02:20 – Misconceptions about tax exemptions and how tenants may qualify
04:28 – The ease of applying for exemptions and avoiding scams
05:08 – Uniformity issues in property tax exemption administration
05:55 – What is the home improvement exemption, and how does it work?
06:02 – Difference between tax exemptions and tax reductions
08:09 – The impact of exemptions and reductions on overall property taxes
09:35 – How Illinois homeowners can apply for exemptions
11:08 – Key steps to prepare before applying for exemptions
12:30 – What to do if you believe you qualify but didn’t receive an exemption
14:15 – How new homeowners can ensure they apply for the right exemptions from the start
16:19 – Closing remarks and key takeaways
About the Show
Devine's Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is a podcast dedicated to helping homeowners and property owners navigate the complex world of Illinois property taxes. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring property tax expert Nora Devine's, each episode tackles important topics such as property assessments, exemptions, and appeals to ensure taxpayers are informed and empowered.
 

Navigating Commercial Property Taxes in Illinois: What Owners Need to Know

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Divine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host Kevin Rosenquist and property tax attorney Nora Devine delve into the complexities of commercial property tax assessments in Illinois. They discuss the nuances of fair market value, the impact of local government policies, zoning challenges, and legislative changes affecting commercial property owners. Nora shares valuable tips for minimizing property tax liabilities and managing assessments, offering insights that benefit both current and prospective property owners.
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:05] Introduction to the podcast and hosts[00:06-00:30] Overview of commercial property tax assessments in Illinois[00:31-02:23] How fair market value is determined for commercial properties[02:24-04:17] Impact of market fluctuations on property tax assessments[04:18-06:23] Influence of zoning on property valuations and tax implications[06:24-09:15] Understanding the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL)[09:16-13:42] Process and considerations for appealing commercial property assessments[13:43-15:31] The ripple effects of changes in commercial real estate on tax burdens[15:32-16:47] State line tax dynamics and comparative tax systems[16:48-18:45] Practical strategies to minimize commercial property tax liabilities[18:46-19:14] Closing remarks and ways to connect with Nora Devine
About The ShowDivine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is a podcast hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and property tax attorney Nora Devine, designed to help listeners navigate the complexities of Illinois property tax laws. With Nora's expert insights, each episode delves into topics like property assessments, tax appeals, commercial real estate strategies, and the impact of local regulations on taxes. Whether you're a property owner, investor, or curious about Illinois tax policies, this podcast provides practical advice and in-depth discussions to empower listeners with the knowledge they need.

Cracking the Code of Residential Property Taxes in Illinois

In this episode of Divine Intervention, host Kevin Rosenquist and property tax attorney Nora Devine delve into the intricacies of residential property taxes in Illinois. They discuss how property taxes are assessed based on fair market value, the significant role of local government assessments, and the impact of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL). Nora explains the various exemptions available to homeowners, including the homeowner's exemption and the senior freeze, and offers guidance on what homeowners should do if they believe their property tax assessment is too high.
Timestamps
[00:00:06 - 00:02:15] Overview of how residential property taxes are assessed in Illinois.
[00:02:15 - 00:04:40] Discussion of local government assessments and their impact on property tax burdens.
[00:04:40 - 00:06:16] Comparison of property tax experiences in Illinois versus other states.
[00:06:16 - 00:09:09] Explanation of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL).
[00:09:09 - 00:11:17] Discussion on main exemptions for residential property owners.
[00:11:17 - 00:14:41] Challenges of expanding homeowner exemptions and their implications.
[00:14:41 - 00:19:54] Process for homeowners in Cook County to contest their property tax assessments, including error corrections.
 
About The Show
"Divine Intervention" is a podcast that simplifies Illinois property tax issues, hosted by Kevin Rosenquist with attorney Nora Devine. The show covers topics like property tax assessment, the effects of local government decisions, and key laws such as the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL). With expert insights and practical advice, it empowers homeowners to navigate property taxes, understand exemptions, and tackle assessment appeals effectively.

Everything You Need to Know About Tax Appeals

In this episode of Divine Intervention, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with experienced property tax attorney Nora Divine to discuss the intricacies of Illinois property tax appeals. Nora shares insights on how frequently property owners attempt to handle their own tax appeals, particularly in Cook County, where assessing officials actively encourage self-appeals. She also highlights the differences in approachability of assessing officials outside of Cook County. Tune in to learn about the typical outcomes for those who navigate the appeals process on their own, and gain valuable information on the importance of professional assistance in achieving favorable results.
Timestamps:
[00:00:31] Self-appealing property tax assessments.
[00:05:01] Benefits of hiring tax attorneys.
[00:06:31] Property tax assessment differences.
[00:11:25] Property tax assessment strategies.
[00:13:41] Home improvement and property taxes.
[00:17:40] Experience in property tax appeals.
[00:19:38] Property tax appeal process.
 
About the Show
“Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax” with seasoned property tax attorney Nora Devine. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, this podcast series offers in-depth discussions on Illinois property tax law, focusing on helping property owners understand and navigate the complexities of the tax system. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, this show covers everything from tax appeals and exemptions to the impact of local government policies and zoning regulations.