Exemptions, Appeals
Questions Answered!
The Cook County property tax landscape is ever changing. New laws, new rules, new assessment officials.
Don't guess. Our staff has decades of experience in county government, private practice, and real estate appraisal.
Homeowner's Exemption
Originally drafted and passed in 1978 by Illinois Senate President Thomas Hynes, the homeowners exemption provides property tax relief to owner occupied residential property.
Current benefit equals 10,000 times the local tax rate. Resultant property tax discount in Lyons Township between $730 and $1300.
Qualifying property must be owner occupied on January 1st of the tax year in question. Refunds for prior year missed exemptions are available, generally up to three years prior to the current tax year.
Proof of occupancy must accompany all applications.
Senior Exemption
Born in 1958 or earlier?
Your owner occupied residential property is eligible for another discount in addition to the homeowner's exemption.
Current benefit equals 8,000 times the local tax rate. Resultant property tax discount in Lyons Township between $575 and $1100.
Qualifying property must be owner occupied by a senior. This exemption is pro-ratable, the property does not have to be occupied by January 1st. Refunds for prior year missed exemptions are available, generally up to three years prior to the current tax year.
Proof of age and occupancy must accompany all applications.
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Senior Freeze
`Seniors born before 1958 may be eligible for a third property tax discount on their owner occupied residential property: The low income senior freeze.
Eligible seniors must have a total household income below $65,000 and must have occupied the property on January 1st the prior two years.
Current benefit freezes the equalized assessed value for the property. Qualifying seniors will receive a property tax bill calculated using the historic value of their home instead of the current value. This benefit has an income component for qualification. Since incomes change from year to year, application for this exemption must be made annually.
Refunds for prior year missed exemptions are available.
Proof of age, occupancy, and income must accompany all applications.
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Disabled Veteran Exemption
Veterans with a service connected disability certified by the US Department of Veteran's Affairs are eligible for a property tax discount.
Current benefit is dependent upon the VA percentage of disability rating. Resultant property tax discount in Lyons Township between $200 and $32,500.
Qualifying property must be owner occupied by an eligible veteran. This exemption is pro-ratable, the property does not have to be occupied by January 1st. Refunds for prior year missed exemptions are available.
Application must be made annually with an exception for veterans with total and permanent disability ratings.
Proof of occupancy, DD 214, and VA award letter must accompany all applications.
Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities are eligible for a property tax discount.
Current benefit equals 2000 times the local tax rate. Resultant property tax discount in Lyons Township between $150 and $260.
Qualifying property must be owner occupied by a person with disabilities. Refunds for prior year missing exemptions are available, generally up to three years prior to the current tax year.
Proof of occupancy and disability must accompany all applications.
Assessed Value Appeals
Are you concerned the Cook County Assessor may have unfairly assessed your property?
Underlying data used to produce assessments in Cook County is rife with errors. Mistakes are made. It's always a good idea to periodically review your assessment and neighboring property assessments for fairness.
Taxpayers have two opportunities each year to contest their assessed value with the county. Once at the Cook County Assessor's office and once at the Cook County Board of Review. Each office has an opening and closing date each year with a hard deadline.
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Property Tax Talk
Do you have a community group or organization that would like to learn more about property tax assessments and the appeal process?
Schedule a tax talk with our office today.
We'll create a customized presentation just for you.
Special Projects
Need assistance with a research project, or help gathering property tax data? Our office can find the data you need. Cook County property taxes impose a significant burden, the administration of this tax is far from perfect. We are always happy to share our knowledge.