Walker Highlights Automatic Property Tax Exemption Effort

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Property taxpayers will have exemptions automatically renewed this year under a new law supported by state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights.

“As we deal with a pandemic, it made sense to enact an automatic renewal of property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities,” Walker said. “Some of these individuals are most susceptible to being impacted by COVID-19, and it was worthwhile to ease the administrative process.”

Walker backed Senate Bill 685, which creates a one-year application deferral for homeowners who receive the Senior Freeze Exemption, Veterans with Disabilities Exemption and Persons with Disabilities Exemption. Prior to passage, homeowners were required to re-apply every year to receive the exemption. Senate Bill 685 also suspended late payment penalties and tax sales in smaller state counties, an action Cook County has already taken.

“There is no question that more work remains to provide long-term property tax relief and reform for all residents,” Walker said. “This pandemic has hurt a lot of households, and I’m glad to see immediate relief being delivered.”

For more information or assistance, please contact Walker’s district office at 847-749-1137.