Illinois Department of Revenue

12/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/16/2025 16:34

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 income eligibility enhancements effective in tax year 2025 and beyond:
Starting in tax year 2025:
  • 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.
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.

Illinois Department of Revenue published this content on December 15, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 16, 2025 at 22:34 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]