Senior Citizen Tax Information

Senior Exemption

For information on the Senior Citizen Exemption, please follow this link to the Supervisor of Assessments webpage by clicking here. You may also contact the Supervisor of Assessments at (309) 888-5130.

Senior Assessment Freeze Exemption

For information concerning the Senior Assessment Freeze Exemption and to determine if you qualify for this exemption, view the Supervisor of Assessments webpage. You may also contact the Supervisor of Assessments office at (309)888-5130.

Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program

This program allows qualified senior citizens to defer all or part of the property taxes on their personal residence. It's a form of a loan with a 6% interest rate, which is to be repaid after the taxpayers death or at the time the property is sold. Contact the Treasurer's office at (309) 888-5180 regarding this program and its deadlines.

• Be 65 or older by June 1 of the tax year
• Have a maximum household income of $55,000.
• Have lived in the property or other qualifying property for at least 3 years, except for periods in which you may have resided temporarily in a nursing or sheltered care home.
• Own the property which must be used exclusively for residential purposes. This includes a condominium or a dwelling unit in a multi-dwelling building that is owned and operated as a cooperative. Please note that joint ownership under this program is limited to you and your spouse.
• Not owe any delinquent property taxes on the property.

Note: The filing deadline for the program is March 1 of the tax year.

How much may be deferred?

Eligible residents may defer part or all of their property taxes for each year in which they qualify. The maximum, which may be deferred (including interest and fees), is 80% of the taxpayer's equity in the property. The maximum deferral per year is limited to $5,000.

When must deferred taxes be paid?

Property Taxes, which are deferred under this program, become due when the residence is sold or upon the death of the taxpayer. A surviving spouse who is at least age 55 within six months of the taxpayer's death may continue the deferral.

How does one apply for this tax deferral program?

Application for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Deferral Program must be made each year. The applications include:

• A request for information about the taxpayer, his or her income and the property for which the deferral is being sought.
• A request that any joint owners must agree to the deferral. Presentation of evidence of adequate insurance on the property.
• Completion of an agreement which sets out the conditions of the tax deferral, including the maximum amount which can be deferred, the interest rate to be charged, and the arrangements for repaying the "loan".

A brochure containing more detailed information can be obtained at the Collector's Office.