Homeowner and Senior Citizen Exemptions

General Homestead Exemption
The General Homestead Exemption reduces the EAV by the amount of the exemption. The property must be the principal residence of the owner. Exemptions may also be available for cooperatives and qualified life-care facilities. For more information and to apply for the exemption, contact the County Assessment Office.

Home Improvement Exemption
The Home Improvement Exemption reduces the EAV attributable to the improvement for four years based on the Fair Cash Value (up to an established amount) of the improvement. The property must be the principal residence of the owner and have new improvements (such as addition, patio, or deck) that increase the value of the property. You need not file an application. Your township assessor will certify the amount to the County Assessment Office. If you have any questions, contact your township assessor:

Senior Citizen Exemption
The Senior Citizen Exemption reduces the EAV by the amount of the exemption. The property must be the principal residence of the owner, who must be age 65 or older by December 31 of the tax assessment year. Exemptions may also be available for cooperatives and qualified life-care facilities. For further information and to apply for the exemption, contact the County Assessment Office.

Other Exemptions
The Returning Veterans’ Exemption is a one-time reduction in EAV for veteran homeowners in the year they return from an armed conflict. The Veterans with Disabilities Standard Exemption is a reduction in EAV up to $5,000 for veteran homeowners with service-connected disabilities. The Veterans with Disabilities Homestead Exemption is a reduction in EAV for veteran homeowners with service-connected disabilities who require Specially Adapted Housing (SAH). The Disabled Persons’ Exemption is a reduction in EAV for disabled homeowners. Contact the County Assessment Office at 630-208-3818 for more information on these exemptions.

Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program
The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program provides tax relief for qualified senior citizens age 65 and over with a total household income of not more than an established amount per year. For more information, or to apply for the program, contact the Office of the Kane County Treasurer.

Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze
The Senior Assessment Freeze freezes your assessment at a base year, causing your net assessment to not increase. This does not freeze your taxes, only your assessment. The property must be the principal residence of the owner for the beginning of two consecutive years, and the owner must be age 65 or older by December 31 of the tax assessment year and meet certain household income requirements. For further information and to apply for the exemption, contact the County Assessment Office.

Historic Residence Assessment Freeze
The Historic Residence Assessment Freeze Program effectively freezes the assessed valuation of an owner-occupied certified historic residence that has been rehabilitated according to historic preservation standards. For more information, contact the Kane County Historic Preservation Planner.

Circuit Breaker Tax Grant
The Circuit Breaker Tax Grant Program provides grants to income-eligible senior citizens age 65 and over, and persons with disabilities, to help them reduce the impact of property taxes. For more information, or to apply for the program, contact the Illinois Department on Aging (be sure to have your Social Security Number handy when you call).