Illinois says that a homestead is owned and occupied by the person as their home. It includes surrounding property that is not separated from the home by someone else's property.
In Cook County, this exemption is worth an $8,000 reduction on your home's EAV. This is in addition to the $10,000 Homestead Exemption. So, a senior citizen in Cook County can receive an $18,000 reduction on their EAV. In all other counties, the maximum exemption remains at $5,000 through the taxable year 2022.
General Homestead Exemption (GHE) (35 ILCS 200/15-175) The amount of exemption is the increase in the current year's equalized assessed value (EAV), above the 1977 EAV, up to a maximum of $10,000 in Cook County, $8,000 in counties contiguous to Cook County, and $6,000 in all other counties.
As of January 1, 2024, the new minimum homestead exemption is $349,720 and the new maximum is $699,426. For Riverside County, the 2024 homestead exemption is $612,000. For San Bernardino County, the 2024 homestead exemption is $475,000.
Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence.
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.
How do I change my property taxes? You can get your property taxes lowered by proving that your house is worth less than the assessor says it is. In Cook County, you can appeal the value of your property with the Cook County Assessor. You can also appeal the value of your property to the Cook County Board of Review.
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.
Exemption forms may be filed online, or you can obtain one by calling one of the Assessor's Office locations or your local township assessor. Do I have to apply every year? No. Once you apply, the Homeowner Exemption will renew automatically in subsequent years as long as your residency remains the same.