From McHenry County:
New State Law Increases Eligibility for Senior
WOODSTOCK, Ill. – McHenry County is encouraging more seniors to apply for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption in the wake of a new state law that will increase eligibility over the next several years.
The exemption allows qualified senior citizens with a total household income less than $65,000 to freeze the equalized assessed value of their home.
Starting with the 2026 tax year, eligibility will increase to allow senior households making up to $75,000 a year to participate.
“This increase in eligibility will give many more seniors the opportunity to qualify for this assessment freeze,” Treasurer Donna Kurtz said. “Seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes, should make sure that they are taking advantage of this program.”
Application forms will be mailed the first week in March to all seniors who have previously received it. For first-time applicants, the form will be available in early April, and can be obtained by visiting the Assessments Office website here; forms can also be mailed to taxpayers on request.
The application forms will be due back to the Assessments Office by July 1.
This increase will not take effect for this year’s tax bill, but for the 2026 tax year payable in 2027. The maximum income will increase again to $77,000 in 2028, and to $79,000 in 2029 and thereafter.
“I hope that every senior citizen who qualifies applies to get their home assessment frozen,” County Board Chairman Mike Buehler, R-Crystal Lake, said.
“And seniors who don’t qualify because they just barely miss the income cutoff should check again next
year, and the year after, as the cutoff increases.”
Qualified applicants must be at least 65 years old, meet the income limit, must have occupied the property for two consecutive years (i.e. over two January 1sts), must have had legal or equitable interest in the property, or had a leasehold interest – and must be liable for the payment of the property as their principal residence.
While the law freezes a roperty’s assessment, it does not guarantee that the property tax bill will not increase on account of local taxing bodies increasing their levies or tax rates.
McHenry County Supervisor of Assessments Alejandro (Alex) Benitez encourages all McHenry County homeowners to visit the Assessor’s Office website here to ensure that they are applying for every exemption for which they qualify.
“Please do not hesitate to call, email, or stop by with questions.
Our friendly staff is and eager to help,” Benitez said.
