Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 15, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains what limited information Lake County Tax Relief (“Lake County Tax Relief”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, how we use it, and the choices you have when you access the free informational tools at https://lakecountytaxrelief.com (the “Service”).

We designed the Service to surface assessment indicators and potential appeal‑related estimates for Lake County, Illinois parcels. We collect only the minimum data needed to operate core functionality (parcel lookups), deliver optional email alerts, maintain security, and improve accuracy. We do not sell your personal information.

By using the Service you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, discontinue use.

Interpretation and Definitions

Interpretation

The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.

Definitions

For this Privacy Policy:

  • Service means the free public website tools at lakecountytaxrelief.com.
  • Personal Data means information that identifies or can reasonably be linked to an individual (e.g., email address you submit for alerts). Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs) you look up are not treated as Personal Data unless tied to a submitted email or message.
  • Usage Data means device, browser, coarse location (inferred from IP), pages viewed, referrer, and timing metrics automatically collected for security and analytics.
  • Cookies are small text files stored on your device to remember preferences or enable functionality.
  • Service Providers are trusted third parties (hosting, analytics, email delivery, error monitoring) that process data for us under contractual confidentiality obligations.
  • You means an individual visitor or the entity on whose behalf the Service is used.

Collecting and Using Your Personal Data

Types of Data Collected

Personal Data You Provide

We intentionally limit collection. You may choose to provide:

  • Email address (optional) – to receive assessment release notices, appeal deadline reminders, feature updates, or responses to an inquiry.
  • Message contents / form inputs – if you submit a contact or feedback form.

We do not create user accounts for core parcel lookups.

Usage Data

Usage Data is collected automatically when you access the Service. It can include IP address, general geo (city / region level), browser & device type, pages viewed, referring page, time on page, and timestamped events (e.g., PIN lookup request). We use this to monitor reliability, detect abuse (rate limiting), improve accuracy, and plan capacity.

Tracking Technologies and Cookies

We use limited Cookies and similar technologies for functionality (theme preference, cookie consent), security (bot / abuse mitigation), and privacy‑respecting analytics. We do not use third‑party advertising cookies.

Technologies may include:

  • Essential cookies – remember cookie consent choices and dark/light theme.
  • Functional cookies – retain non‑sensitive form state to ease repeat lookups.
  • Local storage – may cache a recent PIN lookup or UI preferences locally (never transmitted unless you initiate another request).
  • Analytics beacons – lightweight scripts to aggregate anonymous usage metrics (no cross‑site tracking, no behavioral ad profiling).

Cookies can be “Persistent” or “Session” Cookies. Persistent Cookies remain on Your personal computer or mobile device when You go offline, while Session Cookies are deleted as soon as You close Your web browser.

Your Choices: You can disable non‑essential cookies in the consent banner (if presented) or through browser settings. Essential cookies are required for basic operation. You can also clear local storage at any time via your browser.

Use of Your Personal Data

We use Personal Data to:

  • Deliver optional alert emails and respond to inquiries.
  • Operate, secure, debug, and improve the Service (fraud / abuse monitoring, load planning, accuracy evaluation).
  • Generate aggregated, de‑identified statistics about indicator performance (never re‑identifying you).
  • Comply with legal obligations.

We share Personal Data only with:

  • Service Providers (hosting, analytics, email delivery, error monitoring) strictly for the above purposes.
  • Successors in the event of a merger, acquisition, or similar transaction (subject to continuation of protections).
  • Legal authorities when required by law or valid legal process.
  • With your consent for any other disclosed purpose.

We do not sell or rent Personal Data and do not share it with third‑party advertisers.

Retention of Your Personal Data

We retain Personal Data only as long as needed for the purpose collected (e.g., active alert subscription) plus a reasonable period for backup integrity and legal obligations. We typically purge dormant alert emails if undelivered or unused for 18–24 months. Usage logs used for security/analytics may be aggregated or deleted within 12 months unless required for investigation.

Transfer of Your Personal Data

We primarily process data in the United States. If you access from another jurisdiction, you consent to transferring your information to the U.S. where laws may differ. We apply reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards consistent with this Policy.

Delete Your Personal Data

You can request deletion of your alert email or contact form submissions by contacting us (see Contact section). If we send email alerts, each message includes an unsubscribe or instructions. We may retain minimal records (email + unsubscribe timestamp) to honor suppression or for legal compliance.

Disclosure of Your Personal Data

Business Transactions

If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.

Law enforcement

Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).

The Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

  • Comply with a legal obligation
  • Protect and defend the rights or property of the Company
  • Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service
  • Protect the personal safety of Users of the Service or the public
  • Protect against legal liability

Security of Your Personal Data

We employ reasonable measures (HTTPS encryption in transit, hardened hosting environment, least‑privilege access, periodic log review). No method is 100% secure; residual risk remains.

Children’s Privacy

The Service is directed to adults researching property assessments. We do not knowingly collect Personal Data from children under 13. If you believe a child provided Personal Data, contact us for removal.

Our Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by Us. If You click on a third party link, You will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise You to review the Privacy Policy of every site You visit.

We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may revise this Policy periodically. The “Last updated” date reflects the latest material revision. Material changes may be highlighted on‑site or via email (if you are subscribed to alerts). Continued use after changes signifies acceptance.

Contact Us

Questions, data requests, or deletion requests:

  • Use the site contact form (include “Privacy” in the subject)

Please allow reasonable time to respond.