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Property Tax Exemption Filing Season Now Open

The annual filing season for property tax exemptions is now open. Many exemptions are automatically renewed, but some homeowners need to apply this year to receive the benefits they’re entitled to:

  • Seniors (65+) with an annual household income of $65,000 must apply for the Senior Freeze Exemption annually.
  • Seniors who purchased their homes or turned 65 in 2025 must apply for the Senior Citizen Exemption.
  • Homeowners under 65 who purchased their homes in 2024 must apply for the Homeowner Exemption.
  • Most veterans eligible for the Disabled Veterans Exemption must renew it annually.
  • Homeowners who became disabled in 2025 must apply for the Disabled Exemption.
  • Homeowners who missed exemptions for tax years 2021–2024
More information about these exemptions can be found on the Cook County Assessor's Office website. 

The Cook County Assessor’s Office has mailed 2025 Senior Freeze renewal applications, which are due April 21, 2026. Disabled Veteran renewals will be mailed soon, due April 28. Residents can file by mail or online, or call the Evanston Property Tax Assessment Review Office at 847-448-8168 or email mgibbs@cityofevanston.org for assistance with eligibility and the application process.

Senior Exemption Outreach event

The Assessor’s Office will host a Senior Exemption Outreach event on Thursday, April 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center to help community members with applications. 

First Installment Property Tax Bill due April 1

Taxpayers should also remember that the 2025 First Installment property tax bill is due April 1, 2026, and exemptions will appear on the Second Installment bills, mailed in summer or fall 2026.

  • Property owners who do not have mortgage companies paying their taxes can make payments online through the official Cook County Treasurer’s website, by mail, in person at the Treasurer’s office (118 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL), at a participating Chase Bank location, or at certain community banks that accept property tax payments.
  • If your mortgage company escrows and pays your property taxes, you generally should not pay the bill yourself, but you should still check your account on the Treasurer’s website to confirm payment was made and applied correctly.
  • The Treasurer’s Office contact number remains 312-443‑5100 for questions about payments or methods.