With a proven track record and strategic insight, Brianna continues to deliver results in one of the nation’s most complex tax environments.

Brianna L. Golan, who has been the strategic force behind many of the firm’s most successful outcomes, became co-chair of the Property Tax Practice Group in 2024 and was promoted to sole chair as of January 1, 2025. Her sharp legal mind, tireless advocacy, and deep understanding of Illinois' complex tax landscape have consistently delivered exceptional results—even during one of the toughest property tax environments we’ve seen in years.

A recent report from the Altus Group named Chicago and New York City as having the highest effective property tax rates for commercial real estate in the U.S., with Chicago topping the list at 5.37% in 2024. The Illinois Policy Institute also notes a 78% surge in residential property taxes on a typical Cook County home since 2007.

Despite these challenges, Brianna has helped clients secure substantial tax relief, including:

- $166,000 in savings over the triennial for the owner of an 84-year-old commercial property near the Indiana border. The Assessor sought a 78% tax increase—despite the lack of renovations and basic utilities like heat and plumbing in two buildings.
- $105,000 saved over the triennial for a Lincoln Park homeowner after contesting an assessment that valued the property at more than 58% of its fair market value.
- $311,000 reduction over the triennial for a not-for-profit organization, after identifying that the assessment improperly applied an 80% exemption.
- $301,000 in unexpected savings over the triennial for a South Loop commercial building owner who believed their property had been fairly assessed—until Brianna’s analysis proved otherwise.

If your property is located in one of the following townships being reassessed in 2025—Barrington, Elk Grove, Evanston, Hanover, Leyden, Maine, New Trier, Niles, Northfield, Norwood Park, Palatine, Schaumburg, or Wheeling—now is the time to act. These new assessment values will remain in effect through 2027.

Upcoming appeal deadlines:

- Norwood Park Township: May 5
- Evanston Township: May 21

To find out if you’re being over-assessed, contact Brianna directly at blgolan@gct.law for a free property tax analysis.