List of available exemptions and a brief description of each. For complete information, instructions and eligibility requirements, please click on the actual forms.

Forms are provided in a fillable PDF format, you may complete the form electronically, save and email to ccaoforms@madisoncountyil.gov

               Homestead Exemptions (Owner Occupied)

General Homestead Exemption:  
Click Here for Form
This exemption reduces the EAV of the parcel by up to $6,000 as long as the current owner has occupied the property on January 1 of that year. The exemption need only be applied for one time and it remains in effect until the property is sold.  IF MULTIPLE PARCEL’S ARE OWNED BY THE SAME OWNER, ONLY ONE EXEMPTION WILL BE IN EFFECT.
Eligibility Requirements:

1. COMPLETED GENERAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FORM FOR THE YEAR YOU ARE APPLYING.
2. APPLICATION SIGNED BY PROPERTY OWNER AND NOTARIZED.
3. ONLY APPLIES TO SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES.
4. MUST BE PRIMARY RESIDENCE OCCUPIED BY JANUARY 1 OF THE YEAR APPLIED FOR AND NOT RECEIVE THIS EXEMPTION ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE UNITED STATES.
5. MAILING ADDRESS IS THE SAME AS PROPERTY ADDRESS.

General Homestead Exemption - Contract for Deed Requirements:

1. Contract must be presented with completed application.
2. Contract must be signed and notarized and filed with Madison County Clerk (Recorder).
3. Applicant must still meet all other Homestead Exemption requirements.
4. See GENERAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS.

General Homestead Exemption of Leasehold Properties:  
Click Here for 2024 Form
Click Here for Lease Addendum Form
This exemption reduces the EAV of the parcel by up to $6,000 as long as the current Lessee has occupied the property on January 1 of that year. Due to the periodic nature of leaseholds, a notarized application for this exemption must be submitted by January 31 of each year along with a copy of the current Lease Agreement. If there is a change in Lease, or if the Lessee vacates the property, the owner of the property is required to notify the Chief County Assessment Officer of that change and supply a new Lease Agreement within 30 days.
Eligibility Requirements:

1. MUST BE A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE OCCUPIED BY JANUARY 1 OF THE YEAR APPLIED FOR.
2. APPLICATION MUST BE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY BY OWNER OF RECORD AND LESSEE AND NOTARIZED.
3. MUST BE 1 YEAR LEASE (NOT MONTH TO MONTH) AND LEASE MUST BE FILED WITH APPLICATION EVERY YEAR.
4. LESSEE MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING PROPERTY TAXES WITH THE FOLLWING LANGUAGE IN THE LEASE:

“LESSEE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR THE PAYMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES WITH RESPECT TO THE RESIDENCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SECTION 15-175 OF THE PROPERTY TAX CODE (35 ILCS 200/15-175). THE PERMANENT REAL ESTATE INDEX NUMBER FOR THE PREMISES IS_____________________, AND, ACCORDING TO THE MOST RECENT PROPERTY TAX BILL, THE CURRENT AMOUNT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREMISES IS ____________PER YEAR. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE MONTHLY RENT SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL BE INCREASED OR DECREASED PRO RATA (EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1 OF EACH CALENDAR YEAR) TO REFLECT ANY INCREASE OR DECREASE IN REAL ESTATE TAXES. LESSEE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE SATISFYING LESSEE’S LIABILITY FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED REAL ESTATE TAXES WITH THE MONTHLY RENT PAYMENTS ASSET FORTH ABOVE  (OR INCREASED OR DECREASED AS SET FORTH HEREIN).”

5. IF THIS LANGUAGE IS NOT IN THE LEASE YOU CAN USE AN ADDENDUM (ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION TO AMENDED THE CURRENT LEASE) TO INCLUDE THE LANGUAGE. THIS HAS TO BE SIGNED BY THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY AND THE LESSEE AND NOTARIZED.  IF YOU USE AN ADDENDUM YOU HAVE TO INCLUDE IT AND THE CURRENT LEASE WITH THE APPLICATION.
6. MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF THE DEED WITH THE APPLICATION.
7. IF OWNER OF RECORD IS A TRUST, YOU MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF THE TRUST NAMING ALL TRUSTEES WITH THE APPLICATION.

8. HAS TO BE APPLIED FOR EVERY YEAR.

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption: 
Click Here for Form (PTAX-324)
This exemption is a $5,000 reduction in the EAV of the property granted the residential property that is occupied is the principal residence of a person, who is 65 years of age or older during the assessment year and the person must be the owner; or have an equitable interest in the property with a single-family residence; and be liable for the payment of the property taxes. Starting in 2024, this Exemption will no longer be required to be renewed.
Eligibility Requirements:

1. COMPLETE APPLICATION FILLED OUT FOR THE YEAR APPLYING.
2. CURRENTLY HAVE A GENERAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.
3. DEED HOLDER HAS OR WILL TURN 65 YEARS OLD IN THE YEAR APPLYING.
4. HAS TO BE A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE.
5. THE RESIDENCE IS YOUR PRINCIPLE RESIDENCE.
6. LIABLE FOR PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAX.
7. WILL REQUIRE A CURRENT DRIVERS LICENSE, STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD OR BIRTH CERTIFICATE.

Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption:  
(WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS EXEMPTION, PLEASE ALSO APPLY FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION PTAX-324 ABOVE)
Click Here for Form 2022 (PTAX-340)
Click Here for Form 2023 (PTAX-340)
This exemption allows senior citizens who have a total household maximum income of less than $65,000 and meet certain other qualifications to elect to maintain the EAV of their homes at the base year EAV and prevent any increase in that value due to inflation.  The amount is determined on (1) the property’s 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 applicant’s total household maximum income limitation.  The exemption needs to be applied for every year by the 31^st of July.
Eligibility Requirements:

1. COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR LOW INCOME SENIOR FREEZE.
2. MUST CURRENTLY HAVE GENERAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
3. MUST CURRENTLY HAVE OR APPLYING THE SAME YEAR, SENIOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.
4. PROPERTY IS YOUR PRINCIPLE RESIDENCE.
5. ARE LIABLE FOR PROPERTY TAXES ON THIS PROPERTY.
6. MUST BE 65 YEARS OLD OR TURN 65 YEARS OLD IN THE YEAR APPLYING FOR.
7. NAME MUST BE ON THE DEED.
8. HAVE A HOUSEHOLD (ANYONE LIVING IN THE HOUSE) INCOME UNDER $65,000 PER YEAR.
9. COPY OF INCOME TAX RETURN.
10. HAS TO BE APPLIED FOR EVERY YEAR.

Person with Disabilities Homestead Exemption:
Click Here for Form (PTAX-343) - Application
Click Here for Form (PTAX-343-A) - Physician's Statement
Click Here for Form (PTAX-343-R) - Annual Verification of Eligibility

Example of Forms
This exemption reduces the EAV of the parcel by $2,000 only if the primary residence is owned and occupied by a disabled person that is liable for the payment of property taxes. The exemption needs to be applied for every year.
Brief Eligibility Requirements:
1) Owner Occupied
2) Liable for payment of property taxes
3) Disabled or have become disabled during the assessment year
4) Principal place of residency
 
Veterans with Disabilities Standard Homestead Exemption:
Click Here for Form (PTAX-342) - Application
Click Here for Form (PTAX-342-R) - Annual Verification of Eligibility

THE PROPERTY'S TOTAL EAV MUST BE LESS THAN $250,000  after subtracting any portion used for commercial purposes. “Commercial purposes” include any portion of the property rented for more than 6 months.

Example of Forms
The SHEVD provides an annual reduction in the EAV of a primary residence occupied by a veteran with a disability, or the veteran's surviving spouse, at some time during the assessment year. The SHEVD amount depends on the percentage of the service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs.  A qualified disabled veteran with a disability of at least 30% but less than 50% will receive a $2,500 reduction off the EAV; if the disability is 50% but less than 70% it will be a  $5,000 reduction off the EAV.  If the individual is more than 70% disabled then the residential property is exempt from taxation under this Code. The disabled veteran must own or lease a single family residence and be liable for the payment of the property taxes.  The exemption needs to be applied for every year.  THIS EXEMPTION CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH THE PERSON WITH DISABILITIES HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION OR VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.
Eligibility Requirements:

1. Own the property as of January 1 of the year applying for.
2. Must be the Veterans primary residence.
3. Has to be a single family home.
4. DD 214
5. Have an honorable discharge.
6. EAV lower than $250,000.
7. Documentation from the VA that provides the % of disability for service connected disability rating for the year applying.
8. Must file PTAX-342 and all required documentation the first year.
9. Must file PTAX-342-R for every year after the first with required documentation.
10. If classified as totally and permanently disabled according to letter from the VA you will not have to reapply every year.
11. The exemption can be transferred and prorated to a new residence.
12. Be a surviving un-remarried spouse of a veteran can transfer the exemption after death.
13. Can be transferred by a surviving spouse if the original primary residence is sold, but the exemption remains the same as it was on the previous residence.
14. Surviving spouse must also have:
              a. Marriage certificate
              b. Veterans death certificate
              c. Proof of ownership
              d. Drivers license or state ID

Veterans with Disabilities Homestead Exemption:
Click Here for Illinois Dept. of Veterans' Affairs Website
This exemption may reduce the EAV by up to $100,000 for certain types of housing owned and used by a disabled veteran or his or her unmarried surviving spouse. The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs determines the eligibility for this exemption.  This exemption is also available on a mobile home owned used exclusively by a disabled veteran or their spouse.  The exemption needs to be applied for every year.  THIS EXEMPTION CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR PERSON WITH DISABILITIES OR DISABLED VETERANS’ STANDARD HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.
Brief Eligibility Requirements:
1) Served in Armed Forces of the U.S.
2) Disabled in such a nature that Federal Government has authorized payment for the purchase or construction of housing

Returning Veterans Homestead Exemption:
Click Here for Form (PTAX-341)
This exemption is a one-time, 2-year $5,000 reduction off the EAV on the primary residence of a veteran upon returning from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States. A QUALIFYING VETERAN CAN RECEIVE THIS EXEMPTION EACH YEAR IN WHICH HE OR SHE RETURNS FROM ACTIVE DUTY.
Brief Eligibility Requirements:
1) Owner Occupied
2) Served in U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces
3) Returned from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the U.S.
4) Liable for the payment of property taxes
5) Principal place of residency


               Miscellaneous Exemptions and Reductions

Disaster Area Application for Reassessment
Click Here for Form (PTAX-245)
You should complete this form to request reassessment of property under Section 13-5 of the Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/13-5) based on substantial damage caused by a disaster in a county that has been declared a major disaster area by the President of the United States or the Governor of the State of Illinois.

Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program:
Click Here for Form (IL-1017-TD)
Click Here for Form (IL-1018-TD)
This program allows senior citizens, 65 years of age or older, who have a total household income for the year of no greater than $55,000 and meet certain other qualifications, to defer all or part, up to a maximum of $5,000 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 and the maximum amount that can be deferred, including interest and lien fees, is 80% of the taxpayer’s equity interest in the property.
Brief Eligibility Requirements:
1) Owner occupied
2) 65 years of age or older during the assessment year
3) Principal place of residency
4) Total household income for the year less than $55,000

Non-Homestead Property Tax Exemption
Click Here for Form (PTAX-300)

Federal/State Agency Property Tax Exemption
Click Here for FORM (PTAX-300-FS)

Hospital Property Tax Exemption
Click Here for Form PTAX-300-H) Application Form
Click Here for Form PTAX-300-HA) Affidavit for Hospital Property Tax Exemption

Non-homestead Exemptions for Religious, Charitable, or Educational Organizations:
Click Here for Form (PTAX-300R)
This exemption is for properties of religious, charitable, and educational organizations, as well as units of federal, state and local governments, that are eligible, exemption from property taxes to the extent provided by law.  The exemption needs to be applied for every year and requirements met each year.

Home Improvement Exemption:
Click Here for Application Form
This exemption is offered to any owner occupied property that has had an increase in the value of their home due to assessable improvements such as additions, garages, porches, etc.  The exemption allows the homeowner a 4-year exemption from the assessed value if increased due to improvements.  There is a limit of $25,000 off the assessed value or $75,000 off the full value.  This exemption applies only to properties that are residential and occupied by the owner.   This exemption may be applied for at any time during the year and does not need to be renewed every year.
Brief Eligibility Requirements:
1) Owner Occupied
2) Residential
3) Principal place of residency

Model Home Assessment:
Click Here for Application Form (PTAX-762)
Click Here for Ineligibility Form (PTAX-762-C)
This assessment is for a property that must be a single-family residence, town home, or condominium, used solely as a model home for prospective buyers, and not occupied as a dwelling. The model home may contain home furnishings, appliances, offices, and office equipment to further sales activities. No more than 3 model homes can be located at the same time within a 3-mile radius, the center of each radius is the model home that has been used for the longest period of time. No model home can be used for model home purposes longer than 10 years. The exemption needs to be applied for every year.
Brief Eligibility Requirements:
1) Single-family residence, Town home, or Condominium
2) Used solely as a model home for prospective buyers
3) Not Occupied

Fraternal Organization Assessment:
Click Here for Form (PTAX-764)
Click Here for Form (PTAX-765)
Click Here for Form (PTAX-766)
This assessment is for a fraternal organization that must submit documentation consisting of a copy of its charter; proof of ownership of the property; and provide proof of exempt status under Section 501(c) (10) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The organization must also prohibit gambling and the use of alcohol on the property and have members who provide financial support for charitable works.  Properties that qualify after assessment year 2001, the assessed value is frozen at 15% percent of the assessed value in the assessment year the property first qualifies.  The exemption needs to be applied for every year.
Brief Eligibility Requirements:
1) Fraternal organization chartered by the state of Illinois prior to 1900
2) Owns uses real property or its subordinate entity
3) Prohibit gambling and use of alcohol
4) Member provide direct or indirect financial support for charitable works

Veteran’s Organization Freeze:
Click Here for Form (PTAX-763)
Properties that qualify after assessment year 2001, the assessed value is frozen at 15% percent of the assessed value in the assessment year the property first qualifies.  To qualify, a veterans organization must submit documentation which must contain the information required by the D of R, including a copy of the organization’s congressional charter, the location or description of the property on which is located the principal building for the post, camp, or chapter, a written instrument evidencing that the organization is the record owner or has a legal or equitable interest in the property, an affidavit that the organization is liable for paying the real property taxes on the property, and the signature of the organization’s chief presiding officer.  The exemption needs to be applied for every year.  THOSE WHO QUALIFY AND RECEIVE THIS EXEMPTION SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THIS DOES NOT FREEZE THE AMOUNT OF THE TAX BILL, ONLY THE EAV REMAINS AT THE FIXED AMOUNT.  TAXING DISTRICT’S LEVY MAY CHANGE AND THUS ALTER THE TAX BILL.
Brief Eligibility Requirements:
1) Veterans organization must be chartered under federal law
2) Own and use property located
3) Principal building for post, camp, or chapter

Historic Property Exemption:
Click Here for Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Form  
This exemption is for owner-occupied residences that qualify for a preferential assessed value for an 8-year period of time.  The property must be (1) owner occupied single family residence or an owner occupied multi family residence (2) tract, lot or parcel upon which it is located is individually listed on the National Register of Historic places or the Illinois Register of Historic Places (3) individually designated pursuant to an approved county or municipal landmark ordinance; or within a district listed on the National Register of Historic Places or designated pursuant to an approved county or municipal landmark ordinance (4) the residence is under substantial rehabilitation meaning interior or exterior rehabilitation work that preserves the historic building in a manner that significantly improves its condition.

Solar Energy Exemption:
Click Here for Form (PTAX-330)
When a solar energy system has been installed in improvements on any property, the owner of that property is entitled to claim, by filing with the CCAO, an alternate valuation of those improvements. When a claim for alternate valuation is filed, the CCAO shall ascertain the value of the improvements as if equipped with a conventional heating or cooling system and the value of the improvements as equipped with the solar energy system. So long as the solar energy system is used in total or part as the means of utilizing solar energy improvements, the alternate valuation computed as the lesser of the two values ascertained under this paragraph shall be applied. When the solar energy system so valued ceases to be used as the means of heating or cooling those improvements, the owner of that property shall within 30 days notify the chief county assessment officer in writing by certified mail.



Open Space Exemption:
Click Here for Form (PTAX-334)
Open space is considered land which had been used for open space for 3-years immediately preceding the year in which the assessment is made.  Land is considered used for open space purposes if its more than 10 acres in area and (1) the land is actually and exclusively used for maintain or enhancing natural or scenic resources (2) protects air or streams or water supplies (3) promotes conservation of soil, wetlands, beaches, or marches including ground cover or planted perennial grasses, trees and shrubs and other natural perennial growth, and including any body of water, whether man-made or natural (4) conserves landscaped acres, such as public or private golf courses (5) enhances the value to the public of abutting or neighboring parks, forests, wildlife preservers, nature reservations, sanctuaries, or other open spaces, or preserves historic sites.  Land is not considered used for open space purpose if it is used primarily for residential purposes.  The person liable for taxes on land used for open space purposes must file a verified application requesting the additional open space valuation with the CCAO by June 30^th of each year for which that valuation is desired.

Affidavit of Use
Click Here for Form