Returning Veterans Exemption

If your home was eligible for the Returning Veteran Exemption in tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, or 2019 and the exemption was not applied to your property tax bill, the Assessor’s Office can help you obtain a refund through what is called a Certificate of Error. 

*As a reminder, to qualify you have to return from active duty in an armed conflicted involving the U.S. the same year in which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for the 2022 tax year, you must have returned from active duty in calendar year 2022. 

Apply Online

1. Must be an Illinois resident who has served as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or, U.S. Reserve Forces.
2. Returning from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the U.S. in 2024.
3. Either own or had a legal or equitable interest in the property and used it as a principal place of residence on January 1, 2024. 
4. Liable for the payment of property taxes.

• If a veteran is discharged from active duty service, he or she will need to provide the Department of Defense DD Form 214 certified by the Cook County Clerk's Office or the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
• If a veteran is still on active duty after returning home, they will need to provide military orders and a travel voucher showing the date of his or her return. The documents must state that they are returning from armed conflict involving the armed forces of the U.S. within the tax year that they are requesting the exemption.
   

• A copy of one photo ID from List A must be provided along with an Occupancy Affidavit (the affidavit is provided within the online application).  The name and property address must match the application and the date of issue must verify that you occupied this property on or before January 1, 2024.

  List A: Photo IDs that verify identity and occupancy • Illinois Drivers License / ID Card • Matrícula Consular ID • City of Chicago ID Card

• If the address on your photo ID does not match the property address, a copy of one document from List B and one from List C, and an Occupancy Affidavit must be provided. 
   

• List B: Photo IDs that verify identity  • Illinois Drivers License / ID Card • Matrícula Consular ID • City of Chicago ID Card • US Military ID • Passport • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570) • Permanent Resident Card (I-551) • Refugee Travel Document (I-571) • Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

  List C: Documents that verify 2024 occupancy (must demonstrate property occupancy as of January 1, 2024) • Bank statement • Landline, cable, or internet bill • Pay stub or Social Security Award letter • Voting record from 2024 (from Cook County Clerk’s office or Chicago Board of Elections)

For further assistance on how to obtain required documents contact the Chicago VA Regional office. 
Number: 312.980-4470 or 312.980.4378
Email: VETINQUIRIES.VBACHI@va.gov

Please Note: This exemption may be received in addition to any of the other exemptions.

How do I apply for prior tax years?
If you were eligible for the exemption in a prior Tax Year but the exemption was not on your bill, you can apply for a refund or corrected bill by filing for a certificate of error. Learn more here.

• A complete application requires supporting documents (listed above) and your home's PIN. How do I find my PIN? 

Am I eligible to apply if I returned from active duty in an armed conflicted involving the U.S. over 5 years ago? 
No, you have to return from active duty in an armed conflicted involving the U.S. the same year in which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for the 2022 tax year, you must have returned from active duty in calendar year 2022.