The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program is a tax-relief program that works like a loan. It allows qualified seniors to defer a maximum of $5,000 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home. The loan from the State of Illinois is paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant.

Who Qualifies?

Participants must be:

• Homeowners who are at least 65 years of age by June 1 of the year in which the applications are made.
• Those whose household income is $55,000 or less.
• Surviving spouses of previously approved applicants who are at least 55 years of age within six months of the taxpayer’s death.
• Those who have owned and occupied the qualifying property for at least the last three years.
• Those who have fire or casualty insurance coverage for the qualifying property in an amount not less than the amount of the taxes being deferred.
• Those who do not owe outstanding property tax or special assessments.
• Those who have written approval from the spouse, if filing jointly, or Trustee, if the property is held in a qualifying Trust, to participate in the program.

For answers to the below questions and additional resources, visit the Cook County Treasurer’s Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program webpage.

• How do I apply?
• How much will it cost?
• How much tax can be deferred?
• What if there is a mortgage?
• What if my property is in a Trust?
• What if I change my mind?

Last day to file is March 1 of the year the taxes otherwise would be paid. There are no time extensions.

Print these applications, follow all instructions, and mail them to:

Cook County Treasurer
Attn: Senior Deferral Department
118 N. Clark Street – Room 112
Chicago, IL 60602