Costa Howard-Backed COVID-19 Property Tax Relief Legislation Signed into Law

LOMBARD – Legislation backed by state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, that will provide some property tax relief for families and seniors during the COVID-19 crisis has been signed into law.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic fallout only amplified the struggles many families and seniors already face in paying their property tax bills,” Costa Howard said. “During our emergency legislation session last month, I voted to pass critical property tax relief legislation to temporarily suspend late payment penalties for everyone. This bill also defers the re-application process normally required for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who qualify for additional property tax exemptions.”

Senate Bill 685, signed into law last week, allows counties to waive interest penalties for late property tax payments for 120 days or until there is no longer a statewide disaster declaration related to COVID-19. The measure also allows automatic renewal of the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption, Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Exemption and the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities. Currently, eligible homeowners must apply for these exemptions annually. 

“DuPage County led the state in recognizing the challenges that people are facing as they try to make their property tax payments during this crisis,” Costa Howard said. “This bill reaffirms our commitment to providing meaningful relief to homeowners during this time of extraordinary need.”