Exemptions

General Homestead Exemption: is given to owner-occupied residential property, the exemption has a maximum reduction of $6,000 in assessed valuation. Make sure this exemption appears on your tax bill if this is your permanent residence.

Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption: is for anyone 65 years old by December 31st of the taxing year or older and is the owner of record, responsible for the payment of taxes and occupies the property. This results in a $5,000 reduction in assessed valuation. The Senior Citizen must come into the office and apply for this exemption. A renewal is sent out each year in January for this exemption.

Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption: is for anyone 65 years old by December 31st of the taxing year or older and is the owner of record, responsible for the payment of taxes and occupies the property. The total household income is less than $55,000; beginning 2018 household income increased to $65,000. This exemption must be filed in the office by July 1st and must be renewed each year. A renewal form is sent out at the beginning of January. Our office can assist you in completing this form if needed. If assistance is needed, we ask that you bring all income information into our office.

Homestead Improvement Exemption is an exemption for owner-occupied residential property which has been improved with a new structure, such as: deck, garage, and porch or room addition. This exemption must be applied for in our office. This will exempt the improvement for four (4) years from the date of completion. This exemption is limited to $75,000 per year in fair cash value or $25,000 in assessed value.

Disabled Veterans is for a Specially Adapted House owned and used by a disabled veteran. Property may be exempt up to an assessed value of $100,000. This exemption must be certified by the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs. For additional information, contact the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VERTERAN’S AFFAIRS, P. O. BOX 19432, SPRINGFIELD, IL 62794-9432, ATTN: MANAGER/STATE GRANTS. (SPRINGFIELD OFFICE #217-782-6641) (SALEM OFFICE PHONE # 548-9680) Current year evidence of service connected disability must be presented each year for verification.

Returning Veterans Homestead Exemption (35 ILCS 200/15-167): provides a $5,000 reduction on a propertys equalized assessed value (EAV) to qualifying veterans who return from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States. To receive this exemption, the veteran must file an application upon their return home. The exemption is a two-year exemption – the year returning and the following year.

Disabled Persons Homestead Exemption (35 ILCS 200/15-168): provides a $2,000 reduction on a property’s EAV to a qualifying property owned by a person who is 100% disabled. A disabled person must file an annual application by July 1st of each year to continue to receive this exemption. Current year evidence of $100 disability must be presented each year for verification.

Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead Exemption(35 ILCS 200/15-169): provides a reduction in a property’s EAV to a qualifying property owned by a veteran with a service-connected disability certified by the U. S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. A $2,500 homestead exemption is available to a veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 30% but less than 50%. A $5,000 homestead exemption is available to a veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 50% but less than 70%. For veterans with a service-connected disability of 70% or more, then the residential property is exempt from taxation. The property’s total EAV must be less than $250,000 after subtracting any portion used for commercial purposes. A disabled veteran must file an annual application by July 1st of each year to continue to receive this exemption