General Homestead Exemption (General or Homestead Exemption)

This annual exemption is available for residential property that is occupied as the principal dwelling place by the owner or a lessee with an equitable interest in the property and an obligation to pay the property taxes on the leased property. The amount of exemption is the increase in the current year’s equalized assessed value (EAV), above the 1977 EAV, up to a maximum of $5,000. The General Homestead Exemption is granted automatically in most cases. It is labeled “Homestead Exmpt” in the computation ladder on the right hand side on your property tax bill.  You can call the Chief County Assessment Officer’s office to confirm your eligibility or if you have any questions about this exemption.

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption (Senior)
Download Application(PTAX-324)

This annual exemption is available for residential property that is occupied as a principal residence by a person that is 65 years of age or older during the assessment year. The person must own or have a legal or equitable interest in the property during the assessment year and be liable for the payment of the property tax. The amount of the exemption is a $3,500 reduction in the EAV of the property for 2007 (payable 2008), increasing to $4,000 for 2008 (payable 2009).  McLean County requires an initial application, Form PTAX-324, Application for Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption to be filed with the Chief County Assessment Officer.

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE)
Download 2007 Application (PTAX-340 2007)
Download 2008 Application (PTAX-340 2008)

This exemption allows senior citizens who have a total household income of less than $50,000 for 2007 (payable 2008), and $55,000 for 2008 (payable 2009), and meet certain other qualifications to elect to maintain the equalized assessed value (EAV) of their homes at the base year EAV and prevent any increase in that value due to inflation. The amount of the exemption benefit is determined each year based on (1) the property's current EAV minus the frozen base year value (the property's prior year's EAV for which the applicant first qualifies for the exemption), and (2) the applicants total household income.  Each year applicants must complete and file Form PTAX-340, Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Application and Affidavit, with the Chief County Assessment Officer.  McLean County mails a PTAX-340 each year to any person currently receiving the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption.  The mailing is usually around the 1st of February.

Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program

This program allows persons 65 years of age and older, to defer all or part of the real estate taxes and special assessments on their principal residences. The program has income limits and other qualification requirements.  Contact your local County Treasurers Office to receive the necessary forms, or further information on the program.

Homestead Improvement Exemption (HIE)

This exemption is limited to the fair cash value that was added to the homestead property by any new improvement, up to an annual maximum of $75,000 market value or $25,000 assessed value. The exemption continues for four years from the date the improvement is completed and occupied. The Homestead Improvement Exemption is granted automatically in McLean County.  You can call the Chief County Assessment Officer or your Township Assessor to confirm your eligibility or if you have any questions about this exemption.

NEW - Returning Veterans’ Homestead Exemption
Download Application ( PTAX-341)

The new Returning Veterans’ Homestead Exemption provides a one-time $5,000 reduction in a property’s equalized assessed value (EAV) to qualifying veterans who return from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States.  To receive this exemption, the veteran must file an application upon their return home.

NEW -Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption
Download Application (PTAX-342)

The new Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption provides a reduction in a property’s EAV to a qualifying property owned by a veteran with a service-connected disability certified by the U. S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  A $2,500 homestead exemption is available to a veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 50% but less than 75% or a $5,000 homestead exemption is available to a veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 75%. A disabled veteran must file an annual application by the county’s due date of December 31 of the tax year to continue to receive this exemption.

NEW -Disabled Persons’ Homestead Exemption
Download Application (PTAX-343)

The new Disabled Persons’ Homestead Exemption  provides a $2,000 reduction in a property’s EAV to a qualifying property owned by a disabled person.  A disabled person must file an annual application by the county’s due date of December 31 of the tax year to continue to receive this exemption.

Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption

The current Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption that provides up to a $70,000 reduction in assessed value for federally-approved specially adapted housing will continue to be available through the local Veterans’ Affairs Office.

Non-homestead Exemptions for Religious, Charitable, or Educational Organizations

Properties of religious, charitable, and educational organizations, as well as units of federal, state and local governments, are eligible for exemption from property taxes to the extent provided by law. The organization must apply for exemption to the county board of review which reviews the application and forwards it to the Illinois Department of Revenue (ILDOR) for the final administrative decision.  Please see the Chief County Assessment Officer’s staff for the application and further information

Model Home Assessment and Model Home Cancellation Notice
Download Application (PTAX-762)
Download Cancellation Notice (PTAX-762C)

The model home assessment provision under Section 10-25 states that the assessed value on the property on which the model home is built must be the same as it was before the model home was constructed and before any zoning classification changes were made. If the model home is occupied or is sold, it no longer qualifies for the model home Assessment and the land no longer qualifies for the developer’s exemption. Both the land and the improvements will be assessed at 100% of the fair market value.

Developer’s Exemption
Download More Information ( Publication-134)

Section 10-30 of the Illinois Property Tax Code gives a preferential property assessment for acreage that is in transition from vacant land to a residential, commercial, or industrial use. The purpose of the preferential assessment is to encourage real estate development by providing a tax incentive that protects a developer from paying increased taxes until a return on the investment can be made. As a result, the preferential assessment is often called the “developer’s exemption” or “developer’s rate”.