What is the claim for homeowners property tax exemption

Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence. Once the exemption is applied, the Assessor’s Office auto-renews it for you each year. A Homeowner Exemption provides property tax savings by reducing the equalized assessed value.

Automatic Renewal: Yes, this exemption automatically renews each year.

How can a homeowner see which exemptions were applied to their home?
Check the Property Details, then review the Exemption History and Status section.
📌 Reminder: Exemptions appear on your second installment tax bill issued in the summer. To learn more about how the property tax system works, click here. 

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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 property tax bill, the Assessor’s Office can help you obtain a refund through what is called a Certificate of Error. 

Certificate of Error applications for tax years 2021, 2020, 2019, or 2018 can be filed now by clicking the links below. As a reminder, it is recommended to apply online so that the application can be easily tracked and our representatives can provide status updates.

Apply online

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The application filing period for the 2021 tax year is now closed. If a homeowner is missing an exemption from their 2021 Second Installment Property Tax Bill, a Certificate of Error can be filed by clicking on the tab above.

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  1. Either own or have a lease or contract which makes you responsible for the real estate taxes of the residential property
  2. Occupy the property as your principal place of residence on January 1, 2021. 
    • This exemption will be prorated if you purchased a newly constructed home that was not ready for occupancy until sometime after January 1 of the tax year in question. For further assistance regarding a newly constructed home, please contact us.

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  1. Proof of Identity and occupancy in 2021.
  • A copy of one photo ID from List A must be provided along with an Occupancy Affidavit (the affidavit is provided within the online application).  The name and property address mustmatch the application and the date of issue must verify that you occupied this property on or before January 1, 2021.

    List A: Photo IDs that verify identity and occupancy
    • Illinois Drivers License / ID Card
    • Matrícula Consular ID
    • City of Chicago ID Card


     
  • If the address on your photo ID does not match the property address, a copy of one document from List B and one from List C, and an Occupancy Affidavit must be provided. 
     
    List B: Photo IDs that verify identity 
    • Illinois Drivers License / ID Card
    • Matrícula Consular ID
    • City of Chicago ID Card
    • US Military ID
    • Passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570)
    • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
    • Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
    • Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
    List C: Documents that verify 2021 occupancy (must demonstrate property occupancy as of January 1, 2021)
    • Bank statement
    • Landline, cable, or internet bill
    • Pay stub or Social Security Award letter
    • Voting record from 2020 (from Cook County Clerk’s office or Chicago Board of Elections)

     2. Proof of Property Tax Liability

  • If you are listed on the deed recorded at the Cook County Clerk's Office, this verifies your property tax liability. The Assessor’s Office staff can verify recorded deeds for you, so you do not need to provide a document.
  • If you are NOT listed on the recorded deed, please provide one of the following documents to verify you are liable for payment of property taxes for this property:
    • Deed (if not recorded) or contract for a deed
    • Trust Agreement
    • Stock Certificate
    • Occupancy agreement

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I have never applied for the Homeowner Exemption. How do I apply?
If you have never received a Homeowner Exemption on your home, you will need to file an initial application. Exemption forms may be filed online, or you can obtain one by calling one of the Assessor's Office locations or your local township assessor. 

Do I have to apply every year?
No. Once you apply, the Homeowner Exemption will renew automatically in subsequent years as long as your residency remains the same. 

Can I receive a prorated exemption if my home is new construction and I move in after January 1?
This exemption will be prorated if you purchased a newly constructed home that was not ready for occupancy until sometime after January 1 of the tax year in question. For further assistance regarding an exemption for a newly constructed home, please contact us.

How are Homeowner Exemption savings calculated?

The Homeowner Exemption reduces the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of a property by $10,000.  EAV is the partial value of a property used to calculate tax bills. It is important to note that the exemption amount is not the dollar amount by which a tax bill is lowered. Your property tax savings from the Homeowner Exemption is calculated by multiplying the Homeowner Exemption savings amount ($10,000) by your local tax rate. Your local tax rate is determined by the Cook County Clerk and can be found on your second installment tax bill or by contacting the Cook County Clerk's Office at 312- 603-6566.

Please see the example below. 

$100,000 2021 Estimated Fair Market Value
X.10 Assessment Level (10% for residential properties)
$10,000 2021 Assessed Value
2.916 2021 State Equalizer
$29,160 2021 Equalized Assessed Value (EAV)
-10,000 2021 Homeowner Exemption
$19,160 2021 Adjusted Equalized Assessed Value
X.08 2021 Tax Rate (example; your tax rate could vary)
$1,532.80 Estimated Tax Bill in dollars

I am no longer eligible for the Homeowner Exemption, how do I opt out? 
Please complete the Exemption Removal Waiver. 

How can I apply for a Homeowner Exemption for a prior tax year?
If you were eligible for the exemption in a prior Tax Year but the exemption was not on your bill, you can apply for a refund or corrected bill by filing for a certificate of error. 

  • A complete application requires supporting documents (listed above) and your home's PIN. How do I find my PIN? 
  • Avoid these common application errors in your application.

+ Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the claim for homeowners property tax exemption
         
What is the claim for homeowners property tax exemption
 

What is claim for homeowners property tax exemption Los Angeles?

Homeowners' Exemption If you own a home and it is your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for an exemption of $7,000 from your assessed value. New property owners will automatically receive a Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption Claim Form.

How much is the Homeowners exemption in California?

The Homeowners' Exemption provides homeowners a discount of $7,000 of assessed value resulting in a savings of approximately $70-$80 in property taxes each year. This is a free program; however, an application is required.

What is the Idaho Homeowners exemption?

The homeowner's exemption will exempt 50% of the value of your home and up to one acre of land (maximum: $125,000) from property tax.

How much is the Illinois homeowner exemption?

The Homeowner Exemption reduces the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of a property by $10,000. EAV is the partial value of a property used to calculate tax bills. It is important to note that the exemption amount is not the dollar amount by which a tax bill is lowered.