Senior Citizen Tax Programs and Exemptions

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The Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption reduces the assessed value of your property by $5,000 and is available for a residence owned and occupied by a person 65 or older during the tax year.  If you qualify and do not receive this exemption, contact the Board of Review at (618) 277-6600, ext. 2489, 2493, 2488.


The Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze is an exemption available to senior citizens can apply for a freeze of the assessed value of their property.  Applicant must be 65 or older and have a total household income of $65,000 or less and must be the owner of record and use the property as their principal residence.  Contact the Assessor’s Office at (618) 825-2704 for more information and/or an application.


Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program allows persons 65 years of age and older, who have a total household income of less than $65,000 and meet certain other qualifications, to defer all or part of the real estate taxes and special assessments on their principal residences. The deferral is similar to a loan against the property's market value. A lien is filed on the property in order to ensure repayment of the deferral. The state pays the property taxes and then recovers the money, plus 6 percent annual interest, when the property is sold or transferred. The deferral must be repaid within one year of the taxpayer’s death or 90 days after the property ceases to qualify for this program. The maximum amount that can be deferred, including interest and lien fees, is 80 percent of the taxpayer’s equity interest in the property. The maximum annual amount is $5,000.00.  To apply for real estate tax deferrals, Forms PTAX-1017-TD, Application for Deferral of Real Estate Taxes, and PTAX-1018-TD, Real Estate Tax Deferral and Recovery Agreement, must be completed.  Contact St. Clair County Treasurers Office, (618) 825-2451, to receive the necessary forms.
 

Contact the Treasurer's Office at 618-825-2450 to obtain a request form.

State of Illinois Information site for Tax Deferrals

State of Illinois Department on Aging