Property Tax Exemptions 

General Homestead Exemption:
Also known as: Homestead Exemption Limited or Owner Occupied Exemption. Available to those who own and live in their home, so long is it is their primary dwelling, this exemption provides a reduction of up to $3500 off of the assessed value of the residence.  This exemption has no age or income limitation and may be applied for at the Township Assessor’s Office or at the Chief County Assessor’s Office.

Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption:
Available to seniors beginning in the year they turn 65, this exemption provides a reduction of up to $2000 off of the assessed value of the residence and is allowed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption.  This exemption is limited to those 65 and older, and application for this exemption must be made at the Chief County Assessor’s Office; 110 East Sycamore Street, Sycamore, IL  60178, Phone (815) 895-7120.

Home Improvement Exemption:
A reduction of the increase in assessed value attributed to a new (assessable) improvement for 4 years, with a maximum value of $15,000.00 assessed ($45,000.00 fair cash value).  Property must be owner-occupied and have the General Homestead Exemption to be eligible.  This exemption will be applied for automatically by the Township Assessor’s Office so long as the property is owner-occupied and has the General Homestead Exemption.

Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze:
This exemption will “Freeze” the assessed value of the residence at a certain value, as long as the owner qualifies. The Property owner applying must be age 65 or older, have the General Homestead and Senior Homestead exemptions in place and must have an income of $40,000.00 per year or less. This exemption must be applied for annually, before July 1 of each year, at the Chief County Assessor’s Office.  For further information regarding this exemption contact the Chief County Assessor’s Office; 110 East Sycamore Street, Sycamore, IL  60178, Phone (815) 895-7120. 

Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral:
The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Act permits the deferral of real estate taxes on the residence owned and occupied by a person or persons 65 years of age who otherwise meet the qualifications of the act.  The deferred taxes then become a lien on the property, to be paid when the property is sold.  There is an income limit of $40,000.00 per year or less, and application must be made each year by the last day of February with the County Treasurer’s Office.  For further, specific information regarding the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program contact the DeKalb County Treasurer’s Office; 110 East Sycamore Street, Sycamore IL, 60178, Phone (815) 895-7112.

Circuit Breaker for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons:
Administered by the State Department of Revenue, this program offers grants/reimbursements for property taxes and pharmaceutical purchases, based on income and disability status. Application should be filed with the Illinois Department of Revenue.  For information regarding this program contact the Illinois Department of Revenue at

1-800-624-2459.

Disabled Veteran’s Exemption:
This exemption can exempt up to $50,000.00 assessed value of a home owned and occupied by a veteran disabled while serving in the United States Military, and/or that disabled veteran’s surviving spouse. Application is made to the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs. 1-800-827-1000 (Veteran’s Benefits Affairs).

Assessment FAQ • Glossary of Terms • Property Tax Exemptions