If you live in Cook County, now is the time to confirm that you are receiving all applicable property tax exemptions. These exemptions can significantly reduce your annual property tax bill. Property tax exemptions include:

• Homeowner’s Exemption (if the property is the primary residence);
• Senior Exemption (for homeowners aged 65 or older);
• Low-Income Senior Freeze Exemption (for seniors with a total household income of $65,000 or less);
• Persons with Disabilities Exemption;
• Veterans with Disabilities Exemption;
• Returning Veterans Exemption;
• Long-Time Homeowner Exemption; and
• Home Improvement Exemption (providing temporary tax relief for qualifying home improvement projects).

These exemptions can provide substantial savings. For example, the Homeowner’s Exemption alone saves homeowners $950 on average per year.

You can determine whether you have been receiving the appropriate exemptions by logging on to the Cook County Assessor website or looking at your 2024 Second Installment Tax Bill. If you are not receiving the applicable exemptions, the Cook County Assessor has opened the filing period for the 2025 tax year (taxes payable in 2026). If you were eligible for any exemption during the past three tax years but did not receive it, you may be entitled to a refund by filing a Certificate of Error.

GCT is available to assist you in obtaining the exemptions or filing a Certificate of Error. If you need help or have questions, please contact Brianna L. Golan at blgolan@gct.law