Property Tax Exemptions
Understanding Exemptions
Property-tax exemptions can reduce the taxable value used to calculate a property-tax bill. But not every type of exemption is administered by the same government agency.
The Most Important Distinction
Homeowner Exemptions
The Cook County Assessor administers the primary residential exemptions available to qualifying homeowners.
Non-Homestead Exempt Property
For qualifying charitable, religious, educational, governmental and similar properties, the Board of Review receives and reviews exemption applications and makes a recommendation. The Illinois Department of Revenue makes the final decision to grant or deny the exemption.
Cook County Assessor
Residential / Homestead Exemptions
The Assessor processes exemptions available to qualifying homeowners. Examples include:
- • Homeowner Exemption
- • Senior Exemption
- • Low-Income Senior Assessment Freeze
- • Persons with Disabilities Exemption
- • Disabled Veterans exemptions
- • Long-Time Homeowner Exemption
- • Home Improvement Exemption
Eligibility requirements differ by exemption. Always confirm current rules and filing requirements with the Assessor.
Board of Review + Illinois Department of Revenue
Non-Homestead Property-Tax Exemptions
Certain organizations may seek exemption from property taxation when property is owned and used for qualifying purposes such as charitable, religious, educational or governmental use.
The Board of Review receives the application and supporting documentation, reviews the filing and may inspect the property or request additional information.
The Illinois Department of Revenue makes the final determination to grant or deny the exemption.
Missing a Homeowner Exemption?
If an exemption that you qualified for was not applied to a prior tax year, the Cook County Assessor provides a Certificate of Error process that may allow eligible homeowners to recover the missed exemption savings.
The years available and documentation required depend on the exemption. Check the Assessor's current rules before filing.
Exemption Amount ≠ Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Savings
Many exemptions reduce Equalized Assessed Value rather than subtracting the same dollar amount directly from the tax bill. The actual tax savings depend on the exemption and the applicable tax rate.
Who Handles the Tax Bill?
The Treasurer prints and mails property-tax bills and collects payments. The Treasurer does not decide whether a homeowner qualifies for a residential exemption or whether an organization qualifies for tax-exempt status.
Role Clarity
The Board of Review hears assessment appeals and also performs a separate role in certain non-homestead exemption applications. Those are different processes. Routine homeowner exemptions are administered by the Cook County Assessor.
Eligibility, filing periods and documentation requirements can change. GeorgeCardenas.com provides educational information; official agency rules and decisions control.