August 18, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

The Lake County Chief County Assessment Office mailed the 2025 Property Assessment notices to residents, and they should arrive on or around Thursday, August 21. The assessment value changes for Cuba Township will be posted in the Barrington Courier-Review August 21. At the date of publication, 2025 values will be available online at IMSlake.org. 

Much like last year, Cuba Township will receive a Lake County Factor of 1.0604. This equates to a 6% increase to nearly every property within Cuba Township. While that number is always quite alarming, there is no need to panic. This is not a 6% increase in taxes, only in your assessed value. Changes to your tax bill depend on the spending of the local taxing bodies. If local governments increase spending from 2024 levels, your tax bill will likely reflect an increase. If overall spending decreases, you would see a lower tax bill. Taxing bodies generally discuss Levy Ordinances in the fall. If you want to voice your position on spending, attending the meetings is your opportunity.

Some property owners may see valuation changes in addition to the county factor. Reasons for the changes include Township Equalization (used to increase or decrease an entire neighborhood) or an Assessor Correction (characteristic corrections or new permits often trigger these corrections). If you have questions regarding these corrections, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

I encourage you to check the factual accuracy of your property (i.e., number of bathrooms or square footage) at our property search portal, IMSLake.org. IMSLake.org is the ONLY website for accurate property information. 

If you notice an error in your property characteristics, contact our office at 847-381-1120 or email info@cubaassessoril.gov. A site visit may be required in some instances. Please also check to make sure your property exemptions are listed!  Additional exemption information is listed below and here.

Appeal Information

Property owners who decide to appeal their assessed values must do so electronically. Property owners can appeal their assessment on their own to the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for most residential appeals. Appeals can be done in a few minutes by using the new SmartFile E-Filing Portal. Detailed instructions to appeal your assessment are available on our website.

Note: There is a 30-day deadline from the date of publication to file an assessment appeal. 35 ILCS 200/16-55.

The final filing date for assessment appeals in Cuba Township is September 22, 2025.

Please contact the Cuba Township Assessor's Office if you have questions regarding your property valuation or instructions on how to appeal. You can reach us via email at info@cubaassessoril.gov or call us at 847-381-1120.

Sincerely,

Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Assessor

Tax Relief Exemptions

Remember to file for your 2025 qualifying exemptions if you purchased your home last year. If you purchased your home this year, the first day to file your exemptions is January 2, 2026. If you need help filing, please schedule an appointment by calling 847-381-1120. Below is a list of the most common exemptions. Visit our Tax Relief page for more information.

Filing for exemptions is quick and easy through Lake County's Smartfile E-Filing Portal. If you can't file online, you may contact our office at info@cubaassessoril.gov or 847-381-1120 to schedule an appointment.

General Homestead Exemption (GHE)

If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township, and it is your principal residence, you may be eligible for the General Homestead Exemption (GHE). The GHE for 2025 is $8,000.



Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SHE)

If you or your spouse turn 65 at any time in 2025, and your property is your principal residence, you may be eligible for the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption. The SHE for 2025 is $8,000. There is no income requirement and no annual renewal.

Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE)

Homeowners 65 or older with an income of $65,000 or less may qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze. Beginning January 2022, proof of income must be filed along with Senior Freeze applications. You must own the property as your principal residence for two consecutive years (January 1). If you currently receive the Senior Freeze, the Lake County Assessor's Office mails reminder letters in March 2025. The SCAFHE must be filed annually to verify income eligibility.

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (HEPD)

This exemption may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption, if applicable. Applicants must be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and supply evidence of disability, in addition to completing the PTAX-343 Application for Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and PTAX-343-A Physician's Statement.

Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

You may claim this exemption in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption. Disabled veterans qualify if they have at least 30% and up to 100% service-connected disability. Evidence of disability is required along with the completed PTAX-342 Application for Homestead Exemption and PTAX-342-A Annual Verification of Eligibility.