• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Call us today for help:  708-478-0047

Contact us for a real estate tax analysis and consultation


Maher, Brannigan & Heywood, P.C. logo.

Maher, Brannigan & Heywood, P.C.

Call Us
  • About Us
  • Attorneys
    • Frank Maher, Attorney (Retired)
    • Daniel J. Heywood, Attorney
    • John M. Brannigan, Attorney
  • Staff
  • Real Estate Taxation
  • Resources
    • Insights & News
    • FAQ
  • Case Results
  • Contact Us
A digital calculator resting on paper accounting ledgers.

Real Estate Taxation

We challenge property assessments to ensure you pay only the fair amount of property tax.

If you suspect your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, leading to an unfair tax burden, our Assessment Appeals service can help. We limit our practice to challenging property tax assessments for residential, commercial, and industrial property owners.

A view of the Chicago skyline at dusk in autumn.

Benefits

  • Potential for significant tax savings
  • Ensure fair and equitable property taxation
  • Avoid overpayment and potential penalties
  • Peace of mind knowing your assessment is accurate

How Our Assessment Appeals Work

Maher, Brannigan & Heywood, P.C. provide personal legal representation in connection with all property tax assessment matters for all property types.

Free Consultation

We’ll discuss your property details and assessment concerns.

In-Depth Analysis

Our team thoroughly analyzes your property data and comparable properties to identify potential grounds for an appeal including valuation issues, classification errors, or description discrepancies.

Appeal Strategy

We develop a compelling case, gathering evidence and crafting arguments to support property tax relief.

Representation

We represent you in all negotiations, hearings & trials with assessors, boards of review or before other venues of appeal such as courts or the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board.

The outside of a courthouse in autumn.

Assessment Appeals FAQ’s

How do I know if I have grounds for a property tax appeal?

If you believe your property’s assessed value is significantly higher than its fair market value, you may have grounds for appeal. You can get started with a free property tax analysis at our firm to see if there’s potential for a reduction.

What is the cost of hiring your firm?

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us unless we successfully reduce your property tax assessment. Our fees are a percentage of the tax savings we achieve for you.

How long does the property tax appeal process take?

The timeline varies depending on the jurisdiction and the complexity of your case. However, the process typically involves stages like filing an appeal, attending a hearing, and potentially further appeals. We’ll guide you through the entire process and provide realistic expectations.

What information do I need to provide to get started?

To begin, we’ll need some basic information such as your property address, current assessment, recent tax bills, and any recent appraisals you may have.

What are the benefits of hiring a property tax appeals attorney?

Experienced property tax appeals attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the local assessment laws, valuation methods, and the appeal process. We can help you build a strong case, negotiate with assessors, and represent you at hearings to maximize your chances of success.

Our Other Services

A large collection of legal texts on a bookshelf.

Tax Exemptions

For residential property owners we audit and advise to make sure that our clients are getting all property tax exemptions that they are eligible for on their property tax bills.

For other eligible properties, we provide representation in obtaining property tax exempt status from Boards of Review and the Illinois Department of Revenue. We also assist certain eligible properties with obtaining favorable classifications for reduced tax liabilities.

Tax Incentives

We identify and help you obtain tax incentives for commercial and industrial properties to lower your tax burden.The attorneys at MBH, P.C. are well versed in obtaining the necessary resolutions to support a property incentive and filing the subsequent application and incentive complaint. It is important that prospective buyers of properties explore potential incentives prior to purchasing the property.  Contact our office if you want to explore the possibility of obtaining an incentive on a potential purchase.

A woman working at a laptop.
A computer sitting on a desk in an empty office.

Divisions & Consolidations

Property Tax Parcel divisions & consolidations can be esoteric and difficult navigate.  The lawyers at MBH, P.C. have filed numerous divisions and consolidations on behalf of taxpayers and are ready to assist and advise.  

Valuation Analysis

We work with expert appraisers to determine your property’s accurate value for tax calculations.

A man in professional clothing working with a tablet and papers.
Complex charts displaying diverging sets of numbers.

Tax Monitoring

We proactively track assessments and reassessments, notifying you of potential appeal opportunities.

Evidence & Strategy

We gather the strongest evidence and craft tailored arguments to achieve optimal tax outcomes.

Two professionals working out a strategy on a whiteboard.
A daytime view of the Chicago skyline.

Tax Projections

We provide detailed property tax projections for accurate budgeting and informed property acquisitions.

What Our Clients Say

“John Brannigan, along with Daniel Heywood have played a huge part in my company’s ability to navigate a complicated and difficult real estate tax process. Not only have they done an extraordinary job in representing my existing portfolio, but they’ve been an asset in making determinations on future acquisitions. The scope and knowledge that they possess has truly made a significant difference to our companies’ profitability. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED”

– Lou Cano
Cano Properties Inc.

“Dependable, hard working Real Estate Tax Assessment Law firm. They fight hard for you! Excellent & trustworthy and always return phone call promptly!”

– Rick & Lisa White
Owners of commercial properties in Cook & Will County

Contact Us Today

All consultations are complimentary and come with no obligation.  If you want to find out if you are paying your fair share of property taxes, please do not hesitate to contact Maher, Brannigan & Heywood, P.C. today!

Contact Us

Maher, Brannigan & Heywood, P.C.

Phone: 708-478-0047
Fax: 708-478-0160

11520 West 183rd Street, SE
Orland Park, IL 60467

Disclaimer: The Maher, Brannigan & Heywood, P.C. (“MBH, P.C.”) website is intended for informational & advertising purposes only. Nothing in or on the site is to be considered as either creating an attorney-client relationship between the reader and MBH, P.C. or as rendering of legal advice for any specific matter. Readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from retained legal counsel.

Copyright © 2025 | Maher, Brannigan & Heywood, P.C. | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer & Terms of Use | Attorney advertising material