Chief County 
Assessment Office

PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS INCREASE FOR 2008

Increases in the amount of several property tax exemptions will automatically go into effect for the 2008 year, taxes payable in 2009.   This increase is a result of Illinois Public Act 95-644.  These exemptions are subtracted from the assessed value before tax calculations are made.

The Owner Occupied Exemption will increase from $5,000 to $5,500 off of the assessed value of your home.  This is an exemption for those live in and own, or have a legal interest in their property, as of January 1 of any given year.  This exemption must be applied for, but no yearly renewals are necessary.  In 2009, the exemption will be increased to $6,000.

The Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption has been increased from $3,500 to $4,000 off of the assessed value of your home.  This is an exemption for all senior citizens that live in and own (or have a legal interest in) their home.  You may file for this exemption any time during the year you turn 65.  An application must be completed for this Exemption, but no yearly renewals are necessary. 

The Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption income limitation has been increased from $50,000 to $55,000.  This exemption allows qualified seniors to freeze the equalized assessed value of their property for tax purposes.

You must be 65 years or older, have owned and lived in your home for at least two January firsts, and have a total household income of $55,000 or less.  Seniors initially filing for this exemption must bring earnings documentation for verification.  THE FREEZE EXEMPTION MUST BE RENEWED ANNUALLY.   The applications for the Freeze Exemption will be available after April 1, 2008.  First time applicants can come to the County office for an application or call the office.  It will be available at www.dekalbcounty.org also.  Exemptions for those who are renewing will be sent out after April 1^st. 

If you have any questions, please call the Chief County Assessment Office at 815-895-7120 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  The office is located in the County Administration Bldg, Fourth Floor, 110 E Sycamore St. Sycamore, IL  60178.

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