Benefit:

This exemption lowers the equalized assessed value of the veterans principal residence by $5,000 for up to two consecutive assessment (tax) years. This would include the tax year and the following year that the veteran returns from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States.

Qualifications:

To qualify, applicants must:

• be an Illinois resident who has served as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces,
• have returned from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the U.S.,
• have owned or had a legal or equitable interest in the land on which a single-family residence is situated and used as your principal place of residence on January 1 of the assessment years, and
• be liable for the payment of the property taxes.

To Apply:

All applications must be submitted online through the Smartfile E-Filing Portal.  You can receive assistance by phone or in person by calling or visiting the Chief County Assessment Office or the local township assessor’s office.  To start the application process:

• Go to the Chief County Assessment Office Smart E-Filing Portal at assessor.lakecountyil.gov

• Log in to your account, create a new account, or log in as a guest

• Click “Available Filings”

  • EX01: Homestead Exemption Application

• Click “Begin Filing" and follow the instructions