Three homestead exemptions will automatically renew for the next property tax year.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill that will eliminate the need for yearly renewals. The action was one of several COVID-19 related bills approved during the spring legislative session.
Under the bill, homeowners who received the Persons with Disabilities Exemption, the Veterans with Disabilities Exemption or the Senior Freeze Exemption on property tax bills due in 2020 will not have to re-apply to receive the exemption on bills due in 2021.
If homeowners believe they would get a larger exemption due to a worsening disability, they can re-apply with this additional information.
Homeowners who are newly qualified to receive any of these exemptions but did not receive it in 2020 will need to apply in 2021.
“This legislation will be of huge convenience to our seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities by easing the administrative process of homeowner exemptions,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many of these individuals may be at high-risk for the virus.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put tremendous pressure on Cook County homeowners. We’re pleased to work with the legislature, President Preckwinkle, and the county board to help at-risk homeowners when they need it most,” said Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “We will continue to work with our partners to make our property tax system fairer for everyone.”
In 2019, the legislature, at Kaegi’s urging, passed legislation automatically renewing the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption in Cook County. While the Senior Freeze exemption requires proof of income, the Senior Citizen exemption is for any homeowner who is 65 or older.