Homestead Improvement Exemption In Cook County, an application must be filed with the County Assessor along with a valuation complaint. For information and to apply, contact the Cook County Assessor's Office; all other counties contact the Chief County Assessment Office.
Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption – Homeowners age 65 or older and living in their own home could be entitled to an additional homestead exemption. The homeowner should sign up for this exemption during the year in which he or she will turn 65. You will receive a renewal every year around January 1st.
The Senior Homestead Exemption provides for a maximum of an $8,000 reduction from the equalized assessed valuation. For a senior whose property is subject to an average tax rate of $7.2970 per one hundred dollars of assessed value, this results in a tax savings of $584 ($8,000 x 7.2970%.).
The Illinois homestead exemption allows homeowners to exempt up to $15,000 of equity ($30,000 for married couples) from collection attempts from creditors, potentially preventing the seizure, foreclosure, and sale of their home.