‘People are going to lose their property’: This Illinois woman’s property tax is poised to pop from $756 to over $10,000 — a shocking 1,222% spike. Here’s why she’s not alone

What caused the sudden increase?

According to Montgomery County Assessor Kendra Niehaus, the spike in property taxes is due to a 2007 state law that requires woodland tracts to be taxed like homes. Up until this year, the law wasn't correctly implemented in Montgomery County, so each tract of woodland must now pay a tax rate of 33.33% of its fair market value.

“I have a confirmation email from the Montgomery County Assessor that tract of land is going up due to a woodland assessment,” Lentz told 5 On Your Side.

Niehaus says that any residents who believe their assessment is higher than the 33.33% rate can file complaints with the Board of Review. But Beeler says resolution isn’t likely.

“We’re being denied due process in Montgomery Co,” Beeler told 5 On Your Side. “The majority of our parcels do not have a township assessor. We don’t have township assessors in most of our townships.”

A township assessor is a government official responsible for determining the fair cash value of land, which impacts the tax rate landowners pay. Without a township assessor, it may not be clear who determines the value of properties.

But, 5 On Your Side reported the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners held a special session to address property owners' concerns about the increased tax assessments.

Discover how a simple decision today could lead to an extra $1.3 million in retirement

Learn how you can set yourself up for a more prosperous future by exploring why so many people who work with financial advisors retire with more wealth.

Discover the full story and see how you could be on the path to an extra $1.3 million in retirement.

Read More

What can property owners do?

The property tax process varies by state and even township, but there are several steps landowners can take to address rising property taxes. Start by reviewing your assessment on your county auditor or tax assessor's website. Ensure all listed details, such as location, acreage and the number of bedrooms, are accurate.

You can look at recent sales of comparable properties in your area to see if your valuation aligns with market trends. You’d need to compile documentation to support your claim of overvaluation, though. This might include sales data for similar properties, an independent appraisal or photos of the property that can help your case.

Once you've filed an appeal, you could be scheduled for a hearing to present your case. In this scenario, you may want to prepare a concise, well-organized argument supported by your evidence.

And be mindful of deadlines. In Cook County, Illinois, for example, landowners typically have 30 days to file an appeal after receiving a reassessment notice.

Most states perform a tax assessment every few years, which can result in higher property taxes. Having a solid emergency fund can help land and homeowners navigate large tax bills without risking losing their properties.