Illinois · Property tax exemptions for seniors · Updated Oct 2026
Illinois property tax exemptions for seniors (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for older homeowners in Illinois that our guide lists: extra exemptions, freezes, deferrals and age-based credits. What each is worth, the starting age, the income limit, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for seniors in Illinois is the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption. Reduces your EAV by $8,000 in Cook County and counties next to Cook, or $5,000 in all other counties.
Some amounts depend on where you live. In Illinois, some of these breaks or their amounts are set or adjusted by your county, city or town, as each exemption below explains. Ask your local assessor for the figure that applies to your home.
Property tax breaks for seniors in Illinois
Seniors
Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption
Reduces your EAV by $8,000 in Cook County and counties next to Cook, or $5,000 in all other counties.
Who qualifies
You are 65 or older during the tax year, own (or have an equitable interest in) and live in the home, and are liable for the taxes. No income limit.
How to apply
File with the Chief County Assessment Office. Some counties require Form PTAX-324 the first time and Form PTAX-329 to renew. Bring proof of age (driver's license, state ID or birth certificate).
Freezes the EAV of your home at its base-year level as long as you keep qualifying, so rising market values do not raise your taxable value. Your bill can still rise if tax rates go up or you add improvements.
Who qualifies
You are 65 or older, qualify for the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, and your total household income is at or below the limit.
Income limit
$75,000 total household income for tax year 2026 (payable 2027); $77,000 for 2027; $79,000 for 2028 and after. (Cook County lists $65,000 of 2024 income for tax year 2025.)
How to apply
File Form PTAX-340 (Application and Affidavit) with the Chief County Assessment Office each year, with proof of household income (federal and state returns, Social Security SSA-1099, pension 1099-R for everyone in the household).
The state pays your property tax (up to $7,500 a year) as a loan at 3% simple interest (6% still applies to taxes deferred for tax years 2022 and earlier). It is repaid when you sell, within one year after death, or 90 days after the home stops qualifying. Total deferral cannot exceed 80% of your equity.
Who qualifies
You are 65 or older by June 1 of the year you apply, own the home (not income-producing, no unpaid-tax lien), and have fire/casualty insurance. A surviving spouse who is at least 55 can continue it by filing within six months of the death.
Income limit
$75,000 household income for tax year 2025, $77,000 for 2026, $79,000 for 2027 and after.
How to apply
File Form IL-1017 (Application) and Form IL-1018 (Deferral and Recovery Agreement) with your county treasurer (collector).
File Form PTAX-340 (Application and Affidavit) with the Chief County Assessment Office each year, with proof of household income (federal and state returns, Social Security SSA-1099, pension 1099-R for everyone in the household).
Deadline: File with your county treasurer (collector) between January 1 and March 1 each year (IDOR PIO-64).
Renewal: Every year.
Savings estimate for Illinois
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Illinois
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for seniors: you own and live in the home, age 65. Change any answer to your own.
Document checklist for Illinois
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about seniors property tax breaks in Illinois
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for seniors in Illinois?
Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption: You are 65 or older during the tax year, own (or have an equitable interest in) and live in the home, and are liable for the taxes. No income limit. Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (Senior Freeze): You are 65 or older, qualify for the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, and your total household income is at or below the limit. Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program: You are 65 or older by June 1 of the year you apply, own the home (not income-producing, no unpaid-tax lien), and have fire/casualty insurance. A surviving spouse who is at least 55 can continue it by filing within six months of the death.
Is there an income limit for seniors' property tax breaks in Illinois?
Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption: no income limit is listed in our sources. Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (Senior Freeze): $75,000 total household income for tax year 2026 (payable 2027); $77,000 for 2027; $79,000 for 2028 and after. (Cook County lists $65,000 of 2024 income for tax year 2025.) Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program: $75,000 household income for tax year 2025, $77,000 for 2026, $79,000 for 2027 and after.
When is the deadline for seniors to apply in Illinois?
Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption: Set by each county (Cook: spring filing period; Certificate of Error for up to five past years). Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (Senior Freeze): Set by each county. Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program: File with your county treasurer (collector) between January 1 and March 1 each year (IDOR PIO-64).
Do seniors have to reapply every year in Illinois?
Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption: Varies by county; Cook County now renews it automatically. Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (Senior Freeze): Every year. Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program: Every year.
Where do seniors apply for property tax breaks in Illinois?
The Chief County Assessment Office (supervisor of assessments) in each county grants homestead exemptions; in Cook County it is the Cook County Assessor's Office. The senior tax deferral is handled by the county treasurer (collector) and the Illinois Department of Revenue. For the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption: File with the Chief County Assessment Office.