Crespo Aiming to Make it Easier for Seniors to Receive Property Tax Relief

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Older homeowners would no longer be required to reapply for property tax relief annually under legislation introduced by state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, easing the burden on senior citizens seeking to receive the Senior Homestead Exemption.

“With Donald Trump and his allies in Congress looking to cut hard-earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare, we must do whatever we can at the state level to provide tax relief for our seniors living on fixed incomes,” Crespo said. “Applying for yearly exemptions and appeals can be very difficult, which is why I’ve introduced legislation to make the process a whole lot easier.”

Crespo is the chief sponsor of House Bill 4992, which would allow seniors to not have to reapply for the Senior Homestead Exemption every year. Under current law, every county but Cook County can provide seniors with this relief. Crespo’s bill would simplify the process by removing the county boards’ involvement and granting seniors in every county the ability to forgo reapplying if a senior homeowner has previously received the exemption.

“Seniors and middle-class families shouldn’t have to jump through all these hoops to try to keep more of their hard-earned money,” said Crespo. “I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to enact real solutions that will lower the tax burden on our communities.”