Cook County Senior Freeze Exemption
If you’re a Cook County homeowner age 65 or older with household income below $65,000, you may qualify for the Senior Freeze Exemption. It freezes your home’s assessed value so future reassessments don’t increase your property tax bill. If your income exceeds $65,000, you can still benefit from the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption, which reduces your assessed value by $8,000 each year.
What is the Senior Freeze Exemption
The Senior Freeze Exemption, officially called the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, locks in your property’s Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) at the level of the first year you qualify. Even if your home’s market value increases in later years, your taxable EAV remains the same, as long as you stay eligible. This can lead to significant long-term savings, especially in areas where assessments rise quickly.
Who qualifies
To be eligible for the Senior Freeze for the 2024 tax year (reflected on your 2025 tax bill):
- You were born in or before 1959 (age 65 or older during 2024).
- You owned the property or had a legal interest in it on both January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024.
- You occupied the property as your principal residence on both dates.
- Your total household income for 2023 was $65,000 or less.
Household income includes all sources such as Social Security, pensions, wages, dividends, and interest for everyone living in the home.
Clarification on Total Income
The $65,000 limit is based on adjusted gross household income, as defined in Illinois statutes 35 ILCS 200/15-172 and 320 ILCS 25/3.07. That means you can deduct all ordinary and necessary expenses related to generating income, such as:
- Property taxes paid on your rental property
- Repairs, maintenance, insurance, and utilities
- Mortgage interest and depreciation
If you have rental income, include only the net rental income (after expenses) shown on your federal tax return. The same rule applies to business income — report it net of expenses. Use your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your federal 1040 return as the baseline for total household income.
References:
- 35 ILCS 200/15-172
- Sec 3.06 & 3.07 of 320 ILCS 25 – Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act
How it saves you money
Once granted, your assessed value is frozen at the base year. As property values rise, you continue paying taxes on the frozen amount instead of the new higher EAV.
Example:
| Year | Market EAV | Without Freeze | With Freeze |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $60,000 | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| 2025 | $70,000 | $70,000 | $60,000 |
| 2026 | $80,000 | $80,000 | $60,000 |
Over time, this protects seniors from large increases in their tax bills.
How to apply
The Senior Freeze must be renewed every year because your income can change. Applications usually open in February or March for the previous tax year.
Apply online
- Go to the Cook County Assessor’s website.
- Click “Apply Now” under Senior Freeze Exemption.
- Enter your Property Index Number (PIN).
- Upload your photo ID and proof of income (such as your 2023 federal tax return or SSA-1099).
- Submit and save your confirmation email.
Apply by mail
- Download the form from the same page.
- Attach copies of your ID and income proof.
- Mail to:
Cook County Assessor’s Office
118 N. Clark St., Room 320
Chicago, IL 60602
Apply in person
You may also file at your local township assessor’s office.
Renewal
The exemption must be renewed each year to confirm you still meet the income and residency requirements. If you received it last year, you’ll automatically get a renewal postcard with instructions when the filing opens.
Summary
| Feature | Senior Freeze Exemption |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | 65 or older |
| Income limit | $65,000 household income |
| What it does | Freezes assessed value |
| Renewal | Every year |
| Apply | Online, mail, or in person |
| Typical savings | Varies, often hundreds of dollars annually |
How this differs from tax deferral
The Senior Freeze limits future increases in your assessed value and reduces taxes permanently while you remain eligible. Illinois also offers a Senior Property Tax Deferral Program, which only postpones payment of taxes. Deferred taxes accrue interest and must be repaid later, often when the property is sold or transferred. Read more about how deferral works and its long-term implications → Illinois Senior Property Tax Deferral Program
FAQ
Do I need to have the Senior Exemption first?
Yes. You must qualify for and receive the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption before you can apply for the Senior Freeze.
What income counts toward the $65,000 limit?
All household income, including Social Security, pensions, wages, dividends, and interest.
What happens if my income exceeds $65,000 next year?
You’ll lose the Freeze for that year, but you can reapply later if your income drops back below the limit.
Can I appeal my assessment if I already have the Freeze?
Yes. The Freeze limits your taxable value, but you can still appeal if you believe your assessed value was too high before the Freeze was applied.
Final tip
The Senior Freeze offers major protection from rising assessments but doesn’t change your tax rate. Keep an eye on your assessment notices each year and appeal if your value is out of line with similar homes.
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