Who We Are

Doody Law Offices is the successor firm to the Law Offices of Patrick C. Doody. We serve the needs of sophisticated clients looking to reduce their property tax burden, concentrating on commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties. Our firm is dedicated solely to real estate tax assessment matters and related issues. By having a singular focus, we are uniquely positioned to understand the market and its impact on our clients’ real estate taxes. Our diverse client base ranges from small business to Fortune 100 companies.

Property Tax Litigation in Illinois

Illinois provides several avenues for challenging a property tax assessment. Depending on the circumstances, an appeal may begin with the local assessing authority and proceed to a county board of review, the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, or the courts.

We represent taxpayers throughout this process, including in contested proceedings where the taxing authority disputes the requested reduction. Each property is unique, and depending on the property and the circumstances, this may involve analyzing:

Recent sales of comparable properties
Comparable assessments
Property income and expenses
Capitalization rates
Market rents and vacancy
Replacement and reproduction costs
Physical characteristics and condition
Property use and zoning
Highest and best use
Tax assessment history
Changes in the property's circumstances
Errors or inconsistencies in the assessor's valuation

The tax consequences of an excessive assessment can be substantial. We work with property owners and their valuation professionals to develop an appeal strategy tailored to the particular property and the applicable Illinois assessment procedures.

What We Do

Property taxes are often one of the largest ongoing expenses associated with owning commercial, industrial, multifamily, and other income-producing real estate. When a property is assessed too highly, the resulting tax burden can have a significant impact on an owner's operating expenses, cash flow, and ultimately the value of the property.

Doody Law Offices represents property owners, businesses, investors, and other taxpayers in disputes with taxing authorities over the valuation and taxation of real estate. We help clients determine whether their property has been improperly or excessively assessed and, when appropriate, pursue reductions through the administrative and judicial appeal process.

Illinois property tax disputes can involve complicated questions of valuation, exemptions, classification, assessment methodology, and the application of Illinois property tax law. A successful appeal is not simply a matter of arguing that a tax bill is too high. The taxpayer generally must establish that the assessment is incorrect under the applicable legal and valuation standards.

We can help by:

Reviewing the property's assessment to determine whether the assessor's valuation appears excessive or otherwise incorrect.
Analyzing comparable properties and market data to evaluate whether the assessment is consistent with similar properties.
Reviewing income and expense information for income-producing properties when an income-based valuation is relevant.
Evaluating the property's highest and best use and other factors that may affect its taxable value.
Identifying errors in the assessment or classification of the property.
Preparing and filing assessment appeals with the appropriate Illinois county board of review or board of appeals.
Representing taxpayers before administrative assessment authorities and presenting legal and valuation arguments on their behalf.
Appealing unfavorable decisions to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) when appropriate.
Representing clients in court when further judicial review or litigation is warranted.

Property tax appeals can involve substantially more than completing an appeal form. The amount of a property's assessed value can depend upon complex valuation issues, and the procedures and deadlines governing an appeal can vary depending upon the property's location and the stage of the appeal.

An experienced property tax attorney can evaluate both the substantive merits of an assessment challenge and the procedural requirements for pursuing the appeal.

For commercial and investment properties in particular, even a modest reduction in the property's assessed value can produce meaningful tax savings. Those savings may continue year after year, potentially increasing the property's cash flow and value.

Property Tax Appeals Are Time-Sensitive

Illinois property tax appeals are governed by specific filing deadlines and procedural requirements. Missing a deadline can prevent a taxpayer from challenging an assessment for a particular tax year.

The appropriate appeal process also depends upon the county in which the property is located and the current status of the assessment. For that reason, property owners should consider obtaining legal advice before an appeal deadline approaches.

We can review the property's assessment, identify the available avenues of appeal, and help determine the appropriate strategy for challenging the assessment.

We Represent Property Owners, Not Taxing Authorities

Our property tax practice is focused on protecting taxpayers' interests. We represent property owners seeking to ensure that their real estate is assessed fairly and in accordance with Illinois law.

Whether the issue is a single commercial property or a portfolio of properties, we evaluate the potential tax savings and the strength of the available arguments so that clients can make informed decisions about pursuing an appeal.

Is Your Property Overassessed?

If you believe your Illinois property is being taxed based on an assessment that does not accurately reflect its fair market value, our attorneys can evaluate the assessment and discuss your options.

Representative Properties

Commercial

Shopping centers
Strip Malls
Department Stores
Banks
Gas Stations
Cemeteries

Industrial

Warehouses
Manufacturing Facilities
Power Plants