wow.
This s a bill I first introduced in the 1970’s as my “Lake Forest Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief” proposal.
We had the Circuit Breaker from Governor Richard B. Ogivie’s days for low income seniors.
But, what, I thought, about tx relief for (mainly) widows living in expensive homes, but lacking enough income on which to live while paying a really high real estate bill.
The idea was to allow seniors to defer the payment of their property taxes until death. I believe there was a 5% interest fee.
I think I got it passed in the House, but it stalled in the Senate.
Somehow I got on the Republican Party Convention’s Platform Committee and convinced fellow member Springfield Senator Doc Davidson to include its passage as a plank in the Platform.
And, it subsequently got passed, but with an upper income limit…thus vitiaitng my original goal.
From the Illinois Revenue Department:
More Seniors Now Eligible for Property Tax Relief Under New Illinois Law
Chicago – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding senior homeowners of the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program, which has been expanded thanks to legislation signed by Governor JB Pritzker.
Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of this legislation stating, “Our seniors have spent their lives building our communities and strengthening our state, and they deserve stability and peace of mind.
“This legislation helps ensure that more older Illinoisans can remain in their homes without the fear of losing them to rising property costs.”
The new law amends the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act, introducing two major nhancements
effective in tax year 2026 and beyond:
Starting in tax year 2026:
- The maximum household income for eligibility will increase from $65,000 to $75,000 in 2026, then to
$77,000 in 2027, and to $79,000 beginning in 2028 and thereafter. - County clerks may now offer payment plans during the redemption period for county-held tax
certificates. When payments are made in accordance with the plan, interest and penalties may be
waived for the program.
To qualify for the Senior Tax Deferral Program, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- be 65 years of age or older by June 1 of the filing year,
- own and occupy the primary residence for a minimum of three years,
- have no outstanding property taxes or special assessments on the property, and
- maintain adequate fire or casualty insurance.
Eligible seniors may defer up to $7,500 per year, including interest and fees, or as much as 80 percent of the equity in their home, whichever is lower.
The deadline to apply for the 2025 Senior Tax Deferral Program is March 1, 2026.
“The new law allows more Illinois seniors to qualify for tax deferral and stay current on their property taxes without risking their homes,” said Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris.
“We thank Governor Pritzker for his leadership and encourage anyone 65 or older who owns and lives in their home to see if they now qualify and apply with their county collector.”
To apply, seniors must contact their local county collector’s office to receive an application. For general
questions concerning the program, taxpayers may visit IDOR’s website at tax.illinois.gov or contact their local county collector’s office.
