815-459-8800
FAQs
You have questions? We have answers.
General
ZCWS is a full-service law firm based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, providing comprehensive legal services to individuals, families, and businesses throughout McHenry County and surrounding areas. We take great pride in our dedication and loyalty to our client community to ensure continuity of legal representation for generations.
ZCWS offers full-service representation across multiple areas of law, including but not limited to estate planning, family law, real estate, personal injury, business law, and workers’ compensation.
ZCWS has been serving the greater McHenry County community since 1974, building long-term relationships with clients by providing trusted legal guidance to individuals, families, and businesses.
ZCWS is committed to clear communication, practical legal advice, and tailored strategies designed to meet each client’s specific goals.
ZCWS is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, conveniently positioned to serve clients throughout McHenry County and surrounding northeast Illinois and southeast Wisconsin communities.
Our office address is:
40 Brink Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-8800
Yes. ZCWS is proud to represent our clients’ businesses, family, and individual needs. We offer both personal and commercial legal services.
There are three easy ways to schedule a consultation with ZCWS:
- Call our office at 815-459-8800 to be directed to the right attorney for your needs.
- Submit the Contact Form
- Email us at (add general email address)
A member of our team will follow up to discuss your legal needs.
Yes. ZCWS offers initial consultations for most practice areas. During your consultation, we’ll review your situation, explain your legal options, and outline next steps so you can make an informed decision.
You should bring any documents related to your situation, including contracts, court papers, correspondence, police reports, financial records, or prior agreements. If you’re unsure what applies, our staff can guide you when scheduling.
Legal fees depend on the type of case, complexity, and scope of representation. ZCWS offers transparent fee structures and will review costs with you upfront so there are no surprises.
In most cases, we can schedule consultations within a day or two. If your matter is urgent, let us know when you contact us, and we will do everything in our power to prioritize your request.
Property Tax
A property tax appeal is a formal process that allows property owners to challenge the assessed value of their property if they believe it is inaccurate or unfair. An appeal does not dispute the tax rate itself, but rather whether the property has been assessed at the correct value under Illinois law.
Most property owners, including homeowners, commercial property owners, landlords, and business owners, may file an appeal if they believe their property assessment does not reflect fair market value or contains errors. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the publication of the assessment values, so timing is extremely important.
Each situation is different, and not every assessment warrants an appeal.
Property owners often appeal assessments due to:
- Overvaluation compared to similar nearby properties
- Errors in property characteristics (square footage, condition, classification)
- Declines in market value
- Unequal assessment treatment
No. While a successful appeal may result in a reduced assessed value, outcomes depend on the facts of your case, supporting documentation, and applicable local standards. Part of our role is helping you evaluate whether an appeal is likely to be worthwhile before moving forward.
The deadline to file an appeal is 30 days after the publication of your assessment. The deadline is strictly enforced.
Missing a deadline means waiting until the next assessment period to challenge the valuation. It’s important to act promptly once assessment notices are issued.
Property owners may file appeals on their own, but the process can be technical and documentation heavy. ZCWS can help assess whether an appeal makes sense, prepare persuasive supporting materials, and represent you before the appropriate review board to get the largest reduction possible.
Supporting documentation may include comparable property data, prior assessments, market information, appraisal materials, or evidence of errors in the assessment. The specific requirements depend on the nature of the appeal. We will help you compile the information every step of the way.
Yes. Commercial, industrial, and investment properties are commonly appealed, particularly when assessments do not align with income potential, market conditions, or comparable properties. These appeals often benefit from coordination with broader business and real estate considerations. Our integrated team of attorneys and professional staff can help manage the supporting documentation required for a successful appeal.
We require a $100 evaluation fee to retain us to evaluate whether an appeal has merit for your property. If your property was appraised or purchased on or after January of the current year (or close thereto), the $00 initial fee will be waived.
When we determine an appeal is warranted, we charge 45% of the estimated tax savings realized for the first year following the appeal, based on the adjustment in equalized assessed value (EAV) made by the Township Assessor or the Board of Review. Future year savings are yours to keep. The tax savings estimate is calculated by multiplying your current local tax rate by the value of the reduction in your assessment.
For example: Let’s say your current tax rate is 14% of EAV and your EAV is reduced by $15,000. (15,000x14%)x45%=$945. Our fee is $945 for helping you lower your assessed value.
Please Note: a reduction in your EAV will not lower your property taxes that are due for the current year. McHenry County property taxes are paid in arrears, meaning the tax bill you pay for the current year covers the prior year’s taxes.