Mussman Advocates for Easier Access to Senior Homestead Exemption

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Under legislation supported by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, seniors in Cook County will no longer be required by law to reapply annually for senior homestead exemptions on their property taxes. This legislation was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in August.

“It is critical that we continue to fight for lower property taxes and work to ensure that all homeowners receive the exemptions and relief they need and deserve,” Mussman said. “With this new legislation in place, seniors who qualify for an exemption do not need to worry about reapplying each year or fear missing a deadline. They can sleep soundly knowing that they aren’t forgetting any deadlines when it comes to their property taxes, and that they will still receive the relief they need each year.”

The Mussman-backed House Bill 833 creates a pilot program to allow qualifying seniors to continue receiving their Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption without having to reapply each year. Prior to this measure, Cook County was the only county where seniors were required by state law to reapply for their exemption annually. According to the Cook County Treasurer’s office, as many as 26,000 Cook County seniors did not reapply for annual property tax exemptions and discounts, totaling an estimated $45 million in relief.  This measure will help ensure that qualifying seniors receive much-needed exemptions.

“There is more work to be done to continue to ease the financial burden placed on homeowners in Illinois, but this legislation takes one more step in the right direction,” Mussman said. “Providing relief for homeowners in our community and across our state will help us build a stronger middle-class and create a better future for all families.”