Kifowit Leads Property Tax Relief Plan for Disabled Homeowners

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Looking to further lower property tax bills for homeowners with fixed incomes, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, has introduced a measure to effectively freeze the property tax liability for those who receive the state’s Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities.

“This legislation came from conversations with a local resident who correctly noted that many residents with disabilities are on a fixed income, which in turn makes it even more difficult to deal with higher bills,” Kifowit said. “Compared to existing exemptions for seniors in similar situations, it’s clear that we need to do more to provide greater savings for those who are disabled.”

Recently filed as House Bill 4134, Kifowit’s measure would change state law to allow the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities exemption amount to be the greater of $2,000 or the total aggregate property tax liability from the year preceding the base year, if the applicant was the owner at the time. In effect, the exemption would keep the property tax liability at the value it was at during the year the exemption was first claimed, leading to lower bills in following years.

If implemented, the exact amount of savings would vary by homeowner and by location.

House Bill 4134 builds on Kifowit’s efforts to deliver comprehensive property tax relief for all homeowners. In addition to her legislation, Kifowit has continued to provide feedback to the House’s Property Tax Working Group.

“We have to continue to push for responsible property tax relief for everybody, and it’s important that the specific concerns of our community are clearly heard in Springfield,” Kifowit said. “Let’s continue to build consensus, secure reforms and deliver real savings for homeowners.”

For more information, please contact Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.