Cook County Exemptions You Might Be Missing

Save Money on Property Taxes with the Right Exemptions If you own a home in Cook County, you might be paying more in property taxes than you should. Why? Because many homeowners don’t realize they qualify for property tax exemptions—and never apply for them. Property tax exemptions reduce the taxable value of your home, which lowers your overall tax bill. In some cases, these exemptions can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year. At Aaron Fox Law, we help homeowners understand their options and apply for the relief they deserve. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most common Cook County exemptions, who qualifies, and how to apply.

What Is a Property Tax Exemption?

A property tax exemption reduces the amount of property taxes you owe by lowering the assessed value of your home. Cook County offers several different types of exemptions, depending on your situation. Let’s take a look at the most common ones—plus a few that often get overlooked.

1. Homeowner Exemption

This is the most common exemption, and many people qualify for it without even knowing. Who qualifies? You must:

• Own your home
• Live in it as your primary residence
• Have occupied it as of January 1st of the tax year

How much can you save? The Homeowner Exemption can reduce your home’s Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) by $10,000, which means a lower tax bill. How to apply: If you’re a new homeowner, you need to apply once through the Cook County Assessor’s Office. After that, it renews automatically as long as you still live in the home.

2. Senior Citizen Exemption

This exemption provides additional savings for older homeowners. Who qualifies? You must:

• Be 65 years or older
• Own and occupy the home as your primary residence on January 1st

How much can you save? The Senior Exemption can reduce the EAV by an additional $8,000. How to apply: Apply annually through the Assessor’s Office. Seniors must reapply each year to receive the benefit.

3. Senior Freeze Exemption

This exemption helps seniors with low to moderate incomes by “freezing” the assessed value of their property. Who qualifies? You must:

• Be 65 or older
• Have a total household income of $65,000 or less
• Own and live in the home as your primary residence for the past two years

How much can you save? This exemption freezes your assessed value so it doesn’t go up with future reassessments. This can result in big savings over time. How to apply: You must apply every year and provide proof of income.

4. Persons with Disabilities Exemption

This exemption supports homeowners who are permanently disabled. Who qualifies? You must:

• Be disabled as of January 1st of the tax year
• Receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration or have a doctor’s certification
• Live in the home as your primary residence

How much can you save? This exemption can reduce your EAV by $2,000. How to apply: File an application annually and submit documentation of your disability.

5. Veterans with Disabilities Exemption

This exemption provides property tax relief for disabled veterans. Who qualifies? You must:

• Be a veteran with a service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Own and occupy the home as your primary residence

How much can you save?

• 30%–49% disability = $2,500 reduction in EAV
• 50%–69% disability = $5,000 reduction in EAV
• 70%+ disability = entire EAV exemption (you pay no property taxes!)

How to apply: Submit an application and proof of your disability rating each year.

6. Returning Veterans Exemption

This exemption gives a one-time benefit to veterans returning from active duty. Who qualifies? You must:

• Have recently returned from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Own and live in the home as your primary residence

How much can you save? $5,000 reduction in EAV for one tax year. How to apply: Apply through the Assessor’s Office with military documentation.

Filing Tips

• All exemption applications are handled by the Cook County Assessor’s Office
• Many applications can be submitted online
• Deadlines are usually in spring, but it’s best to apply as soon as forms become available
• You may need to reapply every year, depending on the exemption

Don’t Miss Out—Get Help if You Need It

It’s easy to miss an exemption or forget to reapply, especially if the rules change or your situation is complicated. That’s why many people work with a Cook County property taxes Attorney who can help make sure they get every exemption they qualify for. At Aaron Fox Law, we review your property tax record, check for errors, and make sure you’re getting every possible savings. If you’re overpaying—or just unsure—we can guide you through the process.

Final Thoughts

Property taxes in Cook County are high—but you might not have to pay as much as you think. With the right exemptions, you can lower your bill and keep more money in your pocket. Whether you’re a senior, a veteran, a person with disabilities, or simply a homeowner, make sure you’re not missing out. If you need help figuring out what you qualify for or want someone to handle the paperwork, contact Aaron Fox Law today. We’re here to help you save.