Senior Citizen Exemption Deadline Extended

Submit applications by mail or online

CHICAGO – Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi extended the deadline for the Senior Citizen and Senior Freeze Exemptions until Friday, February 28, 2020 so eligible seniors may take advantage of these important property tax saving exemptions. As a reminder, all exemptions appear as deductions on second-installment tax bills.

“Our office has made a tremendous effort to make the exemption application process easier, especially for seniors. It’s why we worked with legislators to make the Senior Exemption automatically renew each year so seniors no longer have to come to our office,” Kaegi said.

The Homeowner and Senior Homeowner Exemption renew automatically while property owners must reapply for the Senior Freeze Exemption every year as the qualification is based off annual household gross income of $65,000 or less.

Many seniors were also mailed either a booklet or postcard from the Assessor’s Office this year, notifying them of their status. Property owners can mail in their applications or apply for the exemption online.

Please see brief description and qualifications for the Senior and Senior Freeze Exemptions below.

Senior Exemption
Provides property tax savings and most homeowners who are 65 years and older qualify. Seniors receiving the Senior Exemption qualify for the Homeowner Exemption and do not have to apply for it separately.
Automatic Renewal: Yes, a new law allows for automatic renewal for seniors who received the exemption last year. Newly qualified seniors must file initial applications in 2020. 
Apply Online: cookcountyassessor.com/senior-citizen-exemption

Senior Freeze Exemption
This exemption provides property tax savings for seniors and eligibility is based on an income qualification of $65,000 or less annually. It is important to note that this Exemption does not freeze the amount of a property tax bill. The property tax savings may fluctuate due to the state multiplier and tax rate based on the taxing district in which the property is located.
Automatic Renewal: No, you must reapply annually. 
Apply Online: cookcountyassessor.com/senior-freeze-exemption

Seniors who did not receive applications in the mail but believe they are entitled to an exemption(s), are encouraged to visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions. They may also call (312) 443-7550 and request a form be mailed to them.  

“I hope that the deadline extension will give seniors the time they need to get their exemption applications completed and returned to our office,” Assessor Kaegi said. “We want to ensure that seniors in Cook County receive all the property tax saving exemptions to which they are eligible.”