Our Services

Upon written engagement by the client, Fitzgerald Law Group will perform whatever steps are necessary in order to obtain the lowest possible legal property tax assessment. The client is always kept closely advised as to all important developments in the case. After a case is concluded, we continue to monitor the property's assessments and review the tax bills for accuracy.

We are also available for purposes of property tax underassessment complaints. These types of cases are going to become more common as cash-hungry taxing districts take whatever steps they can to maximize tax revenue.


Fees
We offer a flexible approach to fees. Services are rendered on the basis of a negotiated annual fee, an hourly fee, or a contingent fee based upon a percentage of the savings/refund obtained.

Services
Our property tax services typically include the following:

• A physical inspection of the property and an audit of the Assessor's record card for the purpose of discovering factual errors.
• An analysis of data relative to the subject property, for the purpose of determining its fair market value.
  
• A report to the client of our findings with specific recommendations as to the most appropriate and cost-effective means of minimizing the assessed valuation.
  
• The preparation, filing of complaints, and presentation of evidence before the Assessor, Board of Review, Property Tax Appeals Board, or in the Circuit Court.
  
• Complimentary advice regarding the probable property tax ramifications of prospective purchases or leases of business or investment grade real estate.
  
• Complimentary advice relating to the procurement of tax incentives or abatements. This is often an overlooked procedure that is commonly available to industrial and commercial owners.
  
• Complimentary advice relating to the procurement of exemptions that are often available to religious or not-for-profit organizations.
  

  
  

  
  Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance "SOX"
  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act has changed the way American businesses are run. Accounting firms can no longer certify a client's financial records and then supply consulting services to that same client. After numerous scandals, Congress has decreed the following:
  
  Internal control is a process affected by an entity's board of directors, management and other personnel and designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following categories: reliability of financial reporting and preparation of reliable published financial statements; effectiveness and efficiency of operations and assurance of an entity's basic business objectives including performance, profitability goals and safeguarding of assets; and compliance with applicable laws and regulations and guarantees of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with those laws to which an entity is subject (Section 404, Sarbanes-Oxley Act).

  The Fitzgerald Law Group performs audits of the Illinois tax appeals process and tax payments which are designed to document and support internal controls certification in accordance with Section 404 requirements. These services are available only to non-clients, with the explicit understanding that we will not be providing legal services to the recipient or their subsidiaries for a period of 5 years from the date that the audit assignment has been completed.
  

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