Villanueva Sponsors Legislation to Lessen Property Tax Burden for Seniors

SUMMIT, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to protect seniors from skyrocketing property taxes, state Rep. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, sponsored legislation that will make it easier for senior homeowners to receive property tax relief.

“Every year, it becomes more and more difficult for seniors living on fixed incomes to keep up with all the different property tax exemptions and freezes that are available to them,” said Villanueva. “These measures will help cut through red tape, so that seniors are receiving the proper exemptions and freezes they deserve.”

Villanueva co-sponsored House Bill 2581 which allows seniors in Cook County who have previously received the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption to not have to reapply every year. The legislation states that if a senior homeowner in Cook County has qualified for this certain exemption in the past, they will automatically receive the exemption every year going forward.

The Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption is an annual exemption available for all Cook County residents that are 65 years-of-age or older, who own a single family home and pay property taxes on that home. This legislation will make it easier for seniors to file their taxes each year and receive the proper tax credits without going through unnecessary bureaucracy.

Villanueva also co-sponsored House Bill 3406 which would increase the maximum income limitation for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $85,000.

“Seniors should be able to retire in peace, not spending their retirement filling out burdensome paperwork every year,” said Villanueva. “The homeowners who have earned this exemption shouldn’t have to depend on unneeded clerical steps in order to save money on their taxes.”