The Homeowner Exemption is a tax break that can reduce the property tax you must pay on your primary residence.

The exemption amount varies depending on where your home is located within Cook County, but on average, it is about $700. To apply for the Homeowner Exemption, you can fill out an application online or print out a paper application and mail it in. The benefits of using the online application include tracking your application, uploading additional documents if needed, and following the status updates.

A few key points:

  • You only need to apply for the exemption once, and it will automatically renew each year as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
  • Exemptions appear on the second installment of your tax bill issued in the summer.
  • You must own and occupy your home as your principal residence as of January 1 of the tax year for which you are applying.
  • If you have not claimed your exemption for years you qualified, you can file a Certificate of Error and get a refund (often thousands of dollars).

Certificate of Error

If your home was eligible for the Homeowner Exemption for past tax years 2021, 2020, 2019, or 2018 and the exemption was not applied to your tax bill, the Assessor’s Office can help you obtain a refund.

Certificate of Error applications for tax years 2021, 2020, 2019, or 2018 can be filed here, choosing “Apply for Past Years. ” As a reminder, we recommend applying online so that the application can be easily tracked and the assessor’s representatives can provide status updates.

Learn More.

In addition to the Homeowner Exemption, other property tax exemptions are available in Cook County for senior citizens, veterans, people with disabilities, and others. You can find more information about these exemptions on the Cook County Assessor’s website or by contacting their office directly.

Overall, the Homeowner Exemption can be a valuable way for homeowners to reduce their property tax bills, so taking advantage of it is essential if you’re eligible. Remember to apply by the deadline!