Senior Citizen Real Estate
Tax Deferral Program
Cook County Treasurer's Office 312/443-5100

Those who are currently receiving the Senior Freeze Exemption will automatically receive a renewal application form in the mail, typically between January and April. You must file each year in order to continue to receive the Senior Freeze Exemption and the requirements must be met each year.

First-time applicants are encouraged to contact us to ensure eligibility, and if eligible, to apply between January and April.

To qualify for the taxable year 2018, you must meet all of these requirements:

The Senior Freeze Exemption provides tax relief to eligible homeowners who meet age and income requirements (see below) and whose homes have drastically increased in value. It allows qualified seniors to apply to "freeze" their home's equalized assessed value (EAV) for the year in which they apply and qualify. This means that in future years, their property tax bill is calculated on the current year's EAV, but the previously "frozen" EAV. Those who qualify for and receive this exemption should be aware that it does not automatically freeze the amount of the tax bill.

Step 1

• Contact the Cook County Board of Review for exempt filing dates (312-603-5542).
• Request an application for exempt status.
• Complete and return the application to the Board of Review, providing the necessary documentation of exempt ownership and/or use.
• Remember: An application may include more than one Permanent Index Number (PIN) but the applicant must still file for each parcel of property.

This information is provided to help taxpayers check the most current status of their properties. This does not guarantee that there are no taxes outstanding on the property or that the property will continue to be exempt in future years. In order to check the status of current taxes due or paid, go to www.cookcountytreasurer.com. In order to check the status of prior taxes due, contact the Cook County Clerk at 312-603-5656.

Please read the following instructions for information on how to best conduct a search for exempt property.

This search page can be used to check the most current information available regarding the religious property’s exempt status. You can also view an image of the property.

We value the contributions that religious organizations make to our communities. In an effort to protect the properties of these institutions, the government offers exemptions that eliminate all or a portion of their tax burden. The money saved on taxes can then be reinvested in the organization in order to benefit the surrounding community and its citizens.

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

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: