Jones’ Tax Fairness Measure Protects Vital Senior Exemption

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Property tax relief would be more easily available to Cook County seniors under a bill supported by state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, which removes an unfair requirement forcing them reapply for a tax exemption every year.

“People living on fixed incomes, seniors especially, cannot afford to lose crucial tax exemptions,” Jones said. “We guarantee almost all Illinois seniors certain tax exemptions without forcing them to deal with the hassle of extensive paperwork. However, in Cook County, seniors have to wade through a sea of red tape to secure key tax exemptions every year. This bill will put an end to that unfair burden.”

Jones is sponsoring Senate Bill 1257, which removes a Cook County legal requirement that seniors over 65 must reapply for the Senior Homestead Exemption annually. Other counties do not mandate annual paperwork for seniors to receive their exemption, as it is maintained as long as the residents stay in live at their homes or until ownership of the property changes. Jones’ bill will level the playing field for Cook County seniors by keeping the exemption in place, helping seniors keep more of their money.

“Seniors already put up with enough as it is, and enacting policies like this is the least we can do for them,” Jones said. “This bill will help prevent property taxes from increasing on our seniors, as they would no longer be forced to obtain the benefits they deserve.”