Evanston Seniors: Apply Now for Property Tax Relief Programs

This year, Illinois seniors aged 65 and older may qualify for a tax relief program. Currently, only the Senior Tax Deferral program is accepting applications. Applications for the other two programs, the Senior Citizen Exemption and the income-based Senior Freeze Exemption, have not been issued yet, but should be available in the next few

weeks.

The two Senior Exemptions reduce property tax bills on owner-occupied homes of senior citizens. However, even with these savings, property taxes can still be burdensome for seniors on fixed incomes.

For those in this situation, the Senior Tax Deferral program may provide additional relief. This program allows qualifying seniors, with household incomes of $75,000 or less, to borrow against the equity in their homes to defer up to $7,500 in property taxes annually. To be eligible, seniors typically need to have built equity by paying down or paying off their mortgages.

The money for the Deferral is essentially a loan from the state, which charges 3 percent simple interest on the money, but does not require loan payments. Instead, the entire loan is repaid when the home is sold or within a year of the applicant’s death.      

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Senior Tax Deferral Program

• Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

• Minimum Age: 65 years old as of June 1, 2026

• Maximum Household Income: $75,000 total income for all household members in 2025, which represents an increase from last year's income limit of $65,000, expanding eligibility to more seniors.

• Owner-Occupant Requirement: Applicant must own and occupy the home for at least three years

• Home Equity Requirement: The equity in the home must exceed the total amount of taxes deferred

Seniors can contact the Property Tax Assessment Review office at 847-448-8168 for assistance with eligibility and the application process. This office will also provide guidance and support for applying to the Senior Citizen and Senior Freeze Exemptions once those applications become available.

It is highly recommended that Deferral program applicants also apply for the two Senior Exemptions, as the savings from these programs reduce the amount of taxes owed or deferred. Additionally, seniors should keep in mind that while Deferral loans must eventually be repaid, savings from the Senior Citizen and Senior Freeze Exemptions are not loans and do not require repayment.

For more information, please contact the Property Tax Assessment Review Office at mgibbs@cityofevanston.org, call/text 847-448-4311 or simply dial 311 in Evanston.