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(Originally appeared in the River North News, April 2000) Dear Editor, Reflecting strong taxpayer and bipartisan support, the Illinois Senate voted yes ? by a margin of 80% - on legislation that would mandate that the Cook County Board of Review allow for representation of property taxpayers by non-lawyers. It would also require reassessment notices to state that taxpayers are not required to hire representation and may represent themselves. Unfortunately for taxpayers the Illinois House Executive Sub-Committee ? strongly lobbied by tax lawyers ? voted down this same pro-taxpayer measure. Debate around this issue centers on the fact that lawyers by no means have a monopoly on the expertise in real estate, accounting and assessment administration that would make them alone particularly well suited for property tax appeals work. A groundswell of public support can help ensure passage when this legislation is reintroduced in the next legislative session. Suburban and Chicago taxpayers alike deserve an open tax appeal process. The need for this essential tax reform is long overdue in a public agency whose exclusionary rules oftentimes coerce tax consultants into the token hiring of lawyers to comply with obsolete rules ? rules considered unnecessary at other county boards of review in Illinois. Chicago Resident. CFAT News Source news@fairtaxes.net Help the Taxpayers |
