The bill fundamentally alters the mechanisms by which taxpayers can contest property tax assessments in large counties, establishing a mandatory electronic communication protocol. This change is intended to ensure that municipalities and school districts have immediate access to tax objections, which could aid in expediting the resolution process. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if an objection to an assessment lacks proof of notification to the affected entities, the court will not allow the objection, placing greater responsibility on taxpayers to comply with procedural requirements.
House Bill 2107, introduced by Rep. Daniel Didech, seeks to amend various sections of the Property Tax Code in Illinois, specifically targeting counties with populations of 3,000,000 or more. The bill requires that individuals filing a tax objection complaint must serve a copy of that complaint via electronic/mail to the appropriate municipality and school district. This electronic notification is aimed at enhancing communication between taxpayers and local governing bodies regarding property tax assessments.
While proponents of HB2107 argue that the bill's electronic notification requirement streamlines the tax objection process and facilitates better governance, critics may view it as imposing additional burdens on taxpayers. The expectation of timely electronic communication might challenge those unfamiliar with digital technologies or those lacking access to reliable internet services. Moreover, the bill’s formalization of procedures in court might lead to concerns about the potential for increased litigation over tax matters, particularly given that compromise agreements would not be accepted if contested by an intervening taxing district.