March 3, 2020

2020 Senior Freeze Information

Limited Income Seniors Are Encouraged to Apply for the Senior Freeze Exemption, Which Can Help Lower Property Tax Bills

Property owners age 65 and older who have total household incomes of $65,000 or less are encouraged to apply for the Senior Citizen’s Assessment Freeze.  This program may reduce property tax bills by freezing the property's equalized assessed value, which impacts the total tax bill.  It does NOT freeze taxes, but it protects a property owner from tax increases due to rising property values.

Even if a property owner has applied for and been granted the freeze exemption in prior years, the application must be renewed annually.

All Lake County residents who have a Senior Homestead Exemption will receive a letter in the mail in mid-March with information about the program.

Who Should Apply To apply for the senior freeze exemption, the applicant must: • Be 65 years or older • Have a total household income of $65,000 or less for 2019 • Have owned and occupied the home on Jan. 1, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020

How to Apply: In 2020, all applications must be submitted online • Have a copy of your 2019 tax return handy, as well as your property PIN number • Go to the Chief County Assessment Office Smart E-Filing Portal at assessor.lakecountyil.gov • Log in to your account, create a new account, or log in as a guest • Click “Available Filings” and choose “EX – Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption” • Click “Begin Filing” • Enter the tax year, 2020, and your property PIN, and follow the instructions • Note that while you do not need to submit proof of income, the Chief County Assessment Office may ask for additional information from you when reviewing your application. • If the property is owned in trust, proof of beneifciary of the trust may also be required

Where to Get Help Completing the Online Application

              1. Call or visit the Chief County Assessment Office:

              Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
              847-377-2050
              18 N. County St., Waukegan, 7^th Floor

              2. Call or visit your local township assessor’s office

              3. Attend a Senior Freeze Assistance Day event:

              University Center of Lake County
              1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake

              Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
              Friday, April 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
              Wednesday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.