Are You Getting All Of The Property Tax Relief To Which You Are Entitled?
Illinois law provides homeowners with certain homestead exemptions–if you are the owner of record and live in the home as a primary residence. Using these exemptions will lower the amount of property tax you owe.
Our office is able to assist you with the filing of your exemptions. Click the box below for more information and eligibility requirements.
Homestead Limited Exemption
This exemption currently lowers the equalized value of the property by $8,000. An owner of record who lives in the home as a primary residence is entitled to this exemption. Look for it on your tax bill.
Senior Homestead Exemption
If you turned 65 at any time during the tax year, the equalized value of your home will be lowered by $8,000. You may apply for the Senior Homestead Exemption at any time during the year in which you turn 65; but because property taxes are paid in arrears, the exemption will not take effect until you receive your following year tax bill. You must notify the Ela Township Assessor’s Office to initiate this exemption.
Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption
Annual Renewal Required: If you are 65, qualified for the (above) Senior Homestead Exemption, AND have a total household income of $65,000 or less, the assessed value on your property is frozen. Please note that this does NOT affect the tax RATE. Contact the Ela Township Assessor’s Office to initiate this exemption.
Homestead Improvement Exemption
If an improvement or addition is made to the home, the assessment increase due to the alteration is kept off the tax rolls for four years. There is a maximum of $25,000 of assessed value which can be kept off the tax rolls for that period.
Disabled and Veterans Exemptions
There are various exemptions available for disabled veterans, veterans who are returning from active duty in an armed conflict, and disabled persons. Our office can assist with the filings of these exemptions.
Apply for Exemptions Online
Lake County has made E-filing of most exemptions mandatory this year.
How to Apply Online:
- Go to assessor.lakecountyil.gov and click on the Smart E-Filing Portal button in the blue bar on the middle of the page
- Log in to your account, create a new account, or log in as a guest
- Click “Available Filings” and choose “EX – Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption”
- Click “Begin Filing”
- Enter your property PIN, and follow the instructions
You can call or email our office for assistance completing the online application
*When you are applying for a new Senior Homestead Exemption and the property is held in trust, we must verify that the applicant is a beneficiary of that trust. The exemptions cannot be applied without this verification. Please include a copy of that part of the actual trust agreement which states that the applicant is a beneficiary. This can usually be found on the first few pages of the trust document. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly at (847) 438-8370.