Exemptions Available to Homeowners

Residential Exemption
Illinois statutes provide for an exemption of up to $5,000 in equalized assessed valuation on homes where the occupant is the person legally responsible for the payment of the real estate tax bill. This exemption is initiated by the Assessor's Office, however, it is advisable that new homeowners contact the Assessor's Office upon moving into a residence to verify that the exemption has been, or will be granted.

Homestead Improvement Exemption
This four-year exemption reduces the assessed value of an existing, owner-occupied home up to $25,000 ($75,000 market value) when the assessment has increased due to a new improvement to the property. Application for this exemption should be made at the Wayne Township Assessor's Office.

Veterans Exemption
The Veterans Exemption is granted to a disabled veteran who has served in the armed forces of the United States and who has acquired in connection with that service a disability of such nature that the Federal Government has authorized payment for purchase or construction of specially adapted housing as set forth in the U.S. Code Title 38, Chapter 21. This exemption covers real property up to an assessed value of $50,000. The Veterans Exemption must be reestablished on an annual basis by certification from the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs to the Supervisor of Assessments' Office.

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption
The Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption reduces the equalized assessed value by $3,500. The exemption is available when the owner-occupant reaches the age of 65 during the assessment year, and was the owner of the property on January 1st of the assessment year. Upon turning 65, the owner may apply for the exemption at the Assessor's Office. Applicants are required to provide proof of age (driver's license or birth certificate) and proof of ownership (deed or title policy).

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption
This exemption freezes the assessed value of a property at a base year level, the first year the exemption is received. As property values increase, the exemption amount increases. This exemption does not protect against tax rate increases.

The Assessment Freeze Exemption is available when an owner-occupant is 65 or older, with a total household income, before deductions, of $50,000 or below, who owned and occupied the property as of January 1st of the assessment year, and on January 1st of the prior assessment year.

Applications for this exemption are available each year in April, and the deadline to apply for the exemption is October 1st.

Other Tax Savings Programs Available to Senior Citizens

Senior Citizens Tax Deferral
This program is available to owner-occupants who are 65 or older by June 1st of the year the application is made, with an annual household income under $50,000. This program is a form of loan in which the State of Illinois pays all or part of the real estate taxes, to be repaid with 6% annual interest at the time of the sale of the property, or upon the property-owner's death. Applications must be made with the DuPage County Treasurer's Office by March 1st of each year for the taxes due that year. Please call the County Treasurer at 682-7016.

Circuit Breaker
Administered by the State of Illinois, this is a property tax relief grant program for Seniors and severely disabled persons with annual household incomes as follows:

• $21,218 if filing an application for yourself only; or
• $28,480 if filing an application for yourself and your spouse*, or yourself and one qualified additional resident; or
• $35,740 if filing an application for yourself, your spouse*, and at least one qualified additional resident, or yourself and at least two qualified additional residents.

This program also provides a grant for pharmaceutical assistance. Applications are available at the Wayne Township Assessor's Office or the Senior Center. Applicants may also visit the Illinois Department on Aging website or call them at 1-800-624-2459.