Illinois · Property tax exemptions for veterans · Updated Oct 2026
Illinois property tax exemptions for veterans (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for veterans in Illinois that our guide lists, from disabled-veteran exemptions to breaks for surviving spouses. What each is worth, the VA rating it needs, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for veterans in Illinois is the Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption. $5,000 off the EAV of your home for the tax year you return from active duty in an armed conflict and the following year.
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 veterans in Illinois
Disabled veterans
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (and Specially-Adapted Housing exemption)
Reduces EAV by $2,500 for a 30-49% service-connected disability, $5,000 for 50-69%, and exempts the first $250,000 of EAV (in practice, usually the whole home) for 70% or more. World War II veterans are fully exempt regardless of rating (from tax year 2024). A separate exemption of up to $100,000 of assessed value applies to VA-funded specially-adapted housing.
Who qualifies
Veteran with a VA-certified service-connected disability of at least 30% who owns or leases the single-family home as a primary residence and is liable for the taxes. An unremarried surviving spouse can keep it or move it to a new home; the unremarried spouse of a veteran killed in the line of duty, or of a veteran whose death was service-connected and who receives DIC, can qualify even if the veteran never had it.
How to apply
File Form PTAX-342 with the Chief County Assessment Office and attach the VA disability rating letter (and DD-214). For specially adapted housing, contact the county and your Veteran Service Officer.
Cook County requires annual filing; other counties vary. Cannot be combined in the same year with the disability exemption or specially-adapted housing exemption.
Renewal: Cook County requires annual filing; other counties vary. Cannot be combined in the same year with the disability exemption or specially-adapted housing exemption.
Renewal: Two consecutive years per return; file each year (Cook requires annual filing).
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 veterans: you own and live in the home and are a veteran. Add your VA rating, and change any answer.
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 veterans property tax breaks in Illinois
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for veterans in Illinois?
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (and Specially-Adapted Housing exemption): Veteran with a VA-certified service-connected disability of at least 30% who owns or leases the single-family home as a primary residence and is liable for the taxes. An unremarried surviving spouse can keep it or move it to a new home; the unremarried spouse of a veteran killed in the line of duty, or of a veteran whose death was service-connected and who receives DIC, can qualify even if the veteran never had it. Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption: Veteran returning from active duty in an armed conflict involving U.S. forces, who owns and lives in the home on January 1 of the assessment year.
Is there an income limit for veterans' property tax breaks in Illinois?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for veterans to apply in Illinois?
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (and Specially-Adapted Housing exemption): Set by each county. Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption: Set by each county.
Do veterans have to reapply every year in Illinois?
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (and Specially-Adapted Housing exemption): Cook County requires annual filing; other counties vary. Cannot be combined in the same year with the disability exemption or specially-adapted housing exemption. Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption: Two consecutive years per return; file each year (Cook requires annual filing).
Where do veterans 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 Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (and Specially-Adapted Housing exemption): File Form PTAX-342 with the Chief County Assessment Office and attach the VA disability rating letter (and DD-214).
Can veterans get more than one property tax break in Illinois?
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (and Specially-Adapted Housing exemption): Cannot be combined in the same year with the disability exemption or specially-adapted housing exemption.