Vella-Backed Legislation Providing Property Tax Relief to Seniors Passes

ROCKFORD, Ill. – In order to provide financial relief to his constituents, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, helped pass legislation that would expand the eligibility of seniors who can defer their property taxes as well as increase the amount they can defer.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic conditions created by the pandemic have hurt everyone, seniors have been hit especially hard over the past year,” said Vella. “For those living on a fixed income, raising property taxes have become more and more burdensome each year. With the financial struggles that many are facing due to the pandemic, it is more important than ever to provide relief to taxpayers, and this legislation will give seniors the flexibility they need after this difficult year.”

Vella co-sponsored Senate Bill 2244, which passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support. The bill will expand eligibility for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program by increasing the maximum yearly income that one can earn to be qualified for the program from $55,000 to $65,000. The legislation also increases the amount of property taxes that can be deferred per year from $5,000 to $7,500.

Since entering the General Assembly earlier this year, Vella has fought to get tax relief for his constituents. He introduced legislation that would freeze property taxes for eligible seniors. He also helped pass legislation that would allow businesses to cut down on their tax bill by circumnavigating the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap.

“In a time when many are struggling to get by, it is critical that we work to decrease the tax burden and find ways to keep money in the pockets of our constituents,” said Vella. “While it is important that we were able to get immediate relief for taxpayers, there is still work that needs to be done. I will continue to work to find long-term and sustainable ways to cut down on my constituents’ tax bill.”