Deadlines · Illinois counties outside Cook
Lake County property tax appeal
You have 30 days from your township's assessment publication date to file an appeal with the Lake County Board of Review. The exact deadline for your property is printed on your assessment notice.
Lake County 2026 appeal deadlines
Official source: Lake County Chief County Assessment Office
Lake County township guides
How to file your Lake County appeal
- 1
Read your assessment notice
Lake County mails assessment notices in mid to late summer. Your notice shows your assessed value and your exact filing deadline.
- 2
Contact your township assessor
Discuss your valuation with your local township assessor before filing — many issues can be resolved without a formal appeal.
- 3
File online — it's required
All Lake County assessment appeals must be filed electronically through the SmartFile E-Filing Portal. No attorney is required for a residential appeal.
- 4
Check if your township uses a different system
Cuba, Ela, Grant, Libertyville, Shields and Vernon townships use a separate software system — follow the special instructions on the county's online appeal page if you're in one of them.
- 5
Get the Board's decision
The Board of Review reviews your evidence and mails its decision. You can appeal further to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB).
Good to know
- 2026 is not a general reassessment year in Lake County — 2023 values generally carry forward, subject to equalization.
- Lake County is reassessed every four years.
File with the official Lake County portal
Appeals are free to file with the county. Use the official Lake County SmartFile E-Filing Portal — and if your home is in Cook County instead, we have a step-by-step guide and kit for that.