The bill introduces a significant change to the way property assessments and appeals are handled in large counties. By mandating adherence to recognized appraisal standards, it aims to reduce disputes over appraisal quality and improve the overall efficiency of the appeal process. Additionally, for properties assessed for the 2023 assessment year, the PTAB process will effectively conclude for these counties, creating a timeline that will impact future property tax appeals. Any appeals that are not resolved by the end of the year 2024 will be dismissed without a decision, which introduces a new urgency for property owners wishing to contest their assessments.
Summary
House Bill 3105 is an amendment to the Property Tax Code that seeks to refine the process of property tax appeals in Illinois, particularly for counties with populations exceeding 3 million. The bill stipulates that the Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) will no longer accept appraisals that do not comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) as set forth by The Appraisal Foundation at the time the appeal is filed. This provision is intended to ensure a higher standard of quality and consistency in the appraisals submitted for review, thereby strengthening the integrity of the property tax appeal process.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB 3105 may arise from the implications of limiting the types of appraisals considered valid by the PTAB. Stakeholders may argue that strict adherence to USPAP could exclude valuable insights from alternative or local appraisal methods, which might be more reflective of specific market conditions in individual neighborhoods or regions. Furthermore, the dismissal of unresolved appeals could create hardships for taxpayers who may be left without recourse after the established deadlines, raising concerns about fairness and accessibility in the property tax system.