Best Appeal.Tax Alternatives (2026)

Last updated: February 13, 2026

The best Appeal.Tax alternative depends on your location and case complexity. AppealDesk covers all 50 states for a flat $49 fee. O'Connor provides full-service appeals in Illinois and 40+ other states. For Cook County specifically, you can file your own complaint with the Board of Review at no cost.

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 13, 2026

Why People Look for Appeal.Tax Alternatives

Appeal.Tax (KSN Law Firm) only covers Cook County and collar counties. Homeowners elsewhere in Illinois or other states need another option.

Law firm pricing may be more expensive than necessary for straightforward residential appeals based on comparable sales overvaluation.

Some homeowners prefer a DIY approach with evidence support rather than full legal representation for a simple assessment dispute.

Appeal.Tax Alternatives at a Glance

ServicePriceCoverageTypeBest For
AppealDesk$49 flat feeAll 50 statesDIY with professional evidence packetCook County homeowners with standard overvaluation cases, or homeowners anywhere else
O'Connor & AssociatesPercentage of savings40+ states (including IL)Full-serviceIllinois homeowners who want full-service without attorney fees
Ownwell25-35% of savings9 states (including IL)Full-serviceCook County homeowners who want full-service with transparent contingency pricing
DIY (no service)FreeAnywhereSelf-researchHomeowners willing to research and file their own Board of Review complaint

1. AppealDesk

AppealDesk provides evidence packets for Cook County and every other county for a flat $49. For Cook County specifically, the evidence packet includes comparable sales analysis, assessment ratio verification, and a filing guide for the Board of Review complaint process. Cook County's triennial assessment system and complex classification structure make assessment ratio analysis particularly important — it's a core part of every AppealDesk packet.

See detailed AppealDesk vs Appeal.Tax comparison →

2. O'Connor & Associates

O'Connor operates in Illinois and 40+ other states, providing full-service representation. They handle filing and hearing attendance using their in-house teams. For Cook County homeowners who want full-service but don't need legal representation, O'Connor is a strong option at a lower cost than a law firm.

3. Ownwell

Ownwell operates in Illinois and provides full-service appeal management with transparent 25-35% contingency pricing. They handle filing and hearings. For Cook County homeowners who want the hands-off approach of Appeal.Tax but with clearer pricing, Ownwell is worth considering.

4. DIY (no service)

Cook County homeowners can file their own complaint with the Board of Review at no cost. The process involves submitting comparable sales evidence during the Board of Review's open filing period for your township. The challenge is navigating Cook County's complex triennial system and assessment classification. Expect significant research time if you're unfamiliar with the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Appeal.Tax work outside of Cook County?
Appeal.Tax (KSN Law Firm) serves Cook County and collar counties (DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry). For other Illinois counties or other states, consider AppealDesk or O'Connor.
Do I need a lawyer for a Cook County property tax appeal?
No. You can file your own complaint with the Cook County Board of Review without an attorney. AppealDesk provides evidence and filing instructions for $49. A lawyer is helpful for complex classification disputes.
What's the cheapest alternative to Appeal.Tax?
DIY is free. AppealDesk is $49 flat. Both are significantly less than law firm fees for a standard residential appeal.
What is Cook County's triennial assessment?
Cook County reassesses properties on a three-year rotating cycle by township rather than annually. This means your assessment may jump significantly every three years. AppealDesk and Appeal.Tax both account for this cycle.
Can Ownwell handle Cook County appeals?
Yes. Ownwell operates in Illinois and can handle Cook County property tax appeals with their full-service model at 25-35% of savings.

Want a detailed head-to-head comparison? See AppealDesk vs Appeal.Tax