Residents considering filing appeals of their 2008 property assessments have two upcoming chances to ask questions or seek help.

Residents must file appeals of their 2008 assessed property values with the Cook County Board of Review by Friday, Dec. 5, or they will lose their right to appeal these valuations.

“The tax bills that were due Nov. 3 are 2007 tax bills. Since the appeal period for the 2007 assessment closed last year, taxpayers for the most part cannot do anything about their recent bills by filing an appeal, but taxpayers can file a 2008 appeal with the Board of Review,” Berwyn Township Assessor Alan J. Kveton said. “A successful 2008 appeal will reduce a property owner’s 2008 tax bill, which will be paid in calendar year 2009.”

The Township Assessor’s office can provide taxpayers with Board of Review forms and help taxpayers prepare the evidence needed to substantiate their appeals, Kveton said.

To avoid long lines at his office, Kveton requests anyone seeking help from the township call for appointments before Wednesday, Dec. 3. The Township Assessor’s Office may be contacted at (708) 788-6600.    

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, a former Cook County Property Tax Appeal Commissioner and author, will attend the Nov. 13 session, which is co-sponsored by Berwyn Mayor Michael O’Connor. The mayor urged residents with concerns about their tax bills to consider filing an appeal.

“Although all citizens have an obligation to pay taxes to fund government, no one should pay more than their fair share of taxes,” O’Connor said. “I encourage taxpayers who feel that they are paying more than their fair share to make use of the appeal process.”