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Exemptions Information

What is the Illinois Homestead Exemption Program, and who qualifies? 
There are seven different types of exemptions, this program will reduce or defer an increase in the equalized value of your property. The net effect of these exemptions is to lower the assessed valuation to which the tax rate is then applied. Qualifications and application procedures vary for each program. However, you must own the property to qualify for any of these exemptions.
Can I estimate the amount of my exemption?   Yes. Here are some examples.
General Homestead Multiply the $6,000 reduction in EAV by the total tax rate (ex 10%) = $600 estimated exemption
Senior Homestead Multiply the $5,000 reduction in EAV by the total tax rate (ex 10%) = $500 estimated exemption
Disabled Persons Homestead   Multiply $2,000 reduction EAV by total tax rate (ex 10%) = $200 estimated exemption
*Tax rate is shown on your most recent property tax bill and varies by location.

FILE ONLINE
SMARTFILE

Residents can now apply for any homestead exemption ONLINE

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 - General Homestead Exemption
- Senior Homestead Exemption
- Disabled Veterans Exemption (renewal form to come)
- Disabled Persons Exemption (renewal form to come)
- Senior Freeze Exemption
 

Signing up is easy, all you need is a valid email address. By creating an account you will have instant access to all of your submissions made online.

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For more Information and instructions please visit our SmartFile Page

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General EXEMPTIONS

General Homestead Exemption (GHE)

Exemption Amount: $6,000 Assessed

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Requirements

  • Own the property and occupy as your permanent residence as of January 1st of the assessment year.

  • Homeowner initiates  at our office.

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Homestead Improvement Exemption (HIE)

Exemption Amount:

$25,000 Assessed /  $75,000 Market

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This exemption defers for four years any increase in assessment of your property due to an addition or other improvement to your home for which the Township Assessor would add value.

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Requirements:

  • Own the property, and occupy as your primary permanent residence.

  • Receiving General Homestead Exemption (GHE)

  • The Assessor's office initiates this exemption.

SENIORS EXEMPTIONS & PROGRAMS

Senior Homestead Exemption (SHE)

Exemption Amount: $5,000 Assessed

 

Requirements:

  • Have owned and lived on the property during the tax year.

  • Reached age of 65 during the tax year.

  • Apply for the exemption at our office.  
     

You will need to bring proof of age (ID) when you apply and if property is in a trust, bring the trust in to our office.
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Senior Assessment Freeze (PTAX-340)
Exemption freezes the assessment on your property. It does NOT freeze your taxes.

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Requirements:

  • Have fulfilled a property residency requirement.

  • Be age 65 or older.

  • Household Income less than $65,000 

  • Apply for the exemption at our office.

  • Application mus be notarized.

  • This exemption requires annual verification of eligibility. 

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Our office offers FREE notary services.  
 

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Senior Citizens Tax Deferral Program

  • This program is designed to allow senior citizens to defer part or all of the property taxes on their home.

  • This program functions as a loan, with an annual interest rate of six percent.
     

Benefit Access Program

Benefits:

Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit

Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride

Secretary of State License Plate Discount

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Requirements:

  • Must be 65 or older or 16+ disabled

  • Must live in Illinois

  • Total income Maximum Limits:

    • $33,562 for 1 person household 

    • $44,533 for 2 person household

    • $55,500 for 3 person household
       

  • NOTE: You must include your spouse's income if married and living together on December 31 of last year. If your spouse died last year, you would file as single and claim only your income.

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VETERANS & DISABLED PERSONS

Disabled Persons Homestead Exemption (HEPD) PTAX-343

Exemption Amount: $2,000 Assessed
 

Requirements:

  • Have owned and lived on of before January 1 of the tax year.

  • Be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and supply either:

    • A copy ​of your Illinois Disabled Person ID Card stating that you are class 2 or 2A disability for each year you qualify; or

    • Proof of Social Security Benefits. Proof includes an award letter, verification letter, or annual COLA

  • This exemption requires annual verification of eligibility. ​

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Standard Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD) PTAX-342

This exemption cannot be claimed in addition to the Disabled Persons Homestead exemption.

 

Requirements:

  • Be a Lake County Illinois resident

  • Have served in the United States Armed Forces, The Illinois National Guard or the U.S Reserve forces, and have received an honorable discharge

  • Have at least a 30% service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Have a total equalized assessed value (EAV) of less than $250,000

  • This exemption requires annual verification of eligibility. ​

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Current Military Exemption
Military personnel on active duty out of state or overseas for extended periods are eligible to defer payment of their taxes under the provisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act

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Returning Veteran Exemption PTAX-341

Lowers the equalized assessed value of your property by $5,000 in the year you returned from active duty in an armed conflict. It is a one-year exemption.

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