Senior Citizen Exemption

Senior Citizens receiving the Senior Citizen Exemption automatically qualify for the Homeowner Exemption and do not have to apply for it separately.

     The Senior Citizen Exemption provides tax relief by reducing the equalized valuation of an eligible residence by $3,500, which can further reduce your equalized assessed value. This saving is in the form of a deduction on the second-installment of the real estate tax bill.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. You must be 65 years of age or older during the year for which you are applying;

2. As of January 1 of the year in question, you must either own the property or have a lease or contract which makes you responsible for the real estate taxes; and

3. As of January 1 of the year in question, the property must be your principal residence.

If you have moved or plan to move in the future, you may be entitled to a prorated Senior Citizen Exemption, based on the time of occupancy.

1. To apply for a prorated Senior Citizen Exemption you must submit:

2. A Senior Citizen Exemption Application Form

3. A closing or settlement statement

4. Copy of a recent property tax bill

5. Copy of proof of age and residency

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1. If you are eligible for the exemption, please complete and sign the Senior Citizen Exemption Application Form. Information pertaining to the Permanent Index Number and Township can be found on your real estate tax bill.

2. You must also provide the following information:

Proof of Your Age

Submit ONLY ONE official document that clearly shows your birthday, such as your drivers license, birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, naturalization papers, Social Security form 2458, Medicare Card with driver's license, Medicare Card with Illinois Identification Card, Alien Registration Card.   (Note: Women submitting documents with maiden name must also submit all marriage certificates to show connection with current name.)

Proof of Residency

Driver's license or state ID showing your address as the property address issued prior to the earliest year for which you are applying.

Voter's registration card or voting record form the tax year(s) for which you are applying.

Current Real Estate Tax Bill

This will verify the Permanent Index Number of the residence for which you are seeking the exemption.  If your tax bill is not mailed to your home, you must supply ONE MORE document that would prove your home address, such as your voter's card, library card or utility bill.

Note: Owners of cooperative apartments must also submit a Stock Certificate, Occupancy Agreement or Trust Agreement along with their application.

APPLYING FOR THE SENIOR CITIZEN  EXEMPTION BY MAIL

APPLYING FOR THE SENIOR CITIZEN EXEMPTION IN PERSON

     If you apply in person at the Assessor's Office, your documents will be examined and returned to you while you wait.

APPROVAL/RENEWAL PROCEDURES

    The Assessor's Office will notify you if your application is approved. For each year following approval, you will be sent an annual renewal form. Please sign and return this form to the Assessor's Office to preserve your exemption.

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What Is the Home Improvement Exemption?

The Home Improvement Exemption allows you to increase the value of your home with up to $75,000 worth of improvements without increasing your property taxes for at least four years.

Who Qualifies?

The exemption is available to owners of single-family homes, condominiums, cooperatives, and apartment buildings up to six units.

How Does It Work?

Assume you wish to add a deluxe family room costing $75,000 onto your present home . Spending $75,000 would normally increase the assessed valuation by $12,000 ($75,000 x 16%). Your property taxes would increase by about $2,950. But with the Home Improvement Exemption, the room addition will not increase the taxable value of your home for at least four years. And you would save approximately $2,950 for each of those years. You'll automatically receive the exemption when our office field checks the building permit for the improvement. A notice will be sent to you after we complete the check.

Damage To Your Home

     The Home Improvement Exemption can also be used for repair necessitated by structural damage as a result of severe weather conditions, such as flooding.

What Is Not Covered

     The exemption is not granted for loss of personal property, normal weather damage or routine maintenance. Routine maintenance includes repairs to or replacement of parts that would not increase the value of your property. The following are examples of normal upkeep:

• Repair or replace roofing materials, sidewalks, driveways or fencing

• Insulate and/or add storm windows and doors

• Add or replace gutters and downspouts

• Place siding over existing frame structure

• Add or improve trees, lawns, and landscaping

• Paint, decorate, plaster or change exterior ornamentation

• Replace furnace or replace old heating systems with solar heating

• Replace kitchen cabinets, flooring, fixtures

• Replace or add water softener, or add larger hot water heater

• Add outdoor lighting, burglar or fire alarms

• Replace electrical systems or plumbing fixtures

• Install above-ground swimming pool or outdoor playground facilities

• Add automatic garage door opener

• Add aluminum soffit and facia

Where To Call

     To learn whether you may qualify for the Home Improvement Exemption, call the Cook County Assessor's Office at 312/443-7550.

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