Veterans Reminded to Check for Property Tax Savings
Assessor’s Office to Host Two Events for Vets in Coming Weeks
On Veterans Day, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi reminds veterans that they may be eligible for property tax-saving exemptions that reduce their tax bills.
Eligibility and Exemptions
The Assessor’s Office processes 10,000 exemptions for veterans annually. Veterans who believe they may have been eligible for a past exemption can file for a Certificate of Error dating back to 2019. The Assessor’s Office administers two exemptions for veterans:
### Veterans with Disabilities Exemption
* For veterans with a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
* Reduces the equalized assessed value (EAV) on the primary residence of a veteran with a disability, very likely lowering the tax bill
* Veterans who are 70% or more disabled receive an EAV reduction of $250,000
* Must renew annually, except for those who are rated 100% disabled and classified as “totally and permanently disabled” by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who are automatically renewed once the 100% rating and the “total and permanent” status is registered with the Assessor’s office
### Returning Veterans Exemption
* For veterans returning from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States
* Eligible to receive a $5,000 reduction in the equalized assessed value of their property only for each taxable year in which they return and the year after
Upcoming Events
The Assessor’s Office will participate in two events for veterans this month, during which we will offer one-on-one assistance:
- Tuesday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with Alderman Gil Villegas (36th Ward), 6560 W. Fullerton Ave. Unit C118, Suite A, Chicago, IL 60707. Sign up for an appointment in advance at https://bit.ly/ccao1119.
- Monday, November 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (5th District), 15440 S. Central Ave., Oak Forest, IL 60452. Sign up for an appointment in advance at https://bit.ly/ccao1125.
Additional Resources
For a list of other in-person and virtual outreach events, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/event-list. For more information about exemptions, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions.
Conclusion
The Cook County Assessor’s Office is committed to assisting our veterans in any way that we can. If you are a veteran and believe you may be eligible for a property tax exemption, we encourage you to take advantage of these events or visit our website for more information.
FAQs
* Q: Who is eligible for a veterans exemption?
A: Veterans with a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans returning from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States.
* Q: How do I apply for a veterans exemption?
A: You can apply in person at one of our upcoming events or by visiting our website and filling out an application.
* Q: How often do I need to renew my veterans exemption?
A: Veterans with disabilities must renew annually, except for those who are rated 100% disabled and classified as “totally and permanently disabled” by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who are automatically renewed once the 100% rating and the “total and permanent” status is registered with the Assessor’s office.
