Bill to Expand Property Tax Relief for Senior Citizens

Illinois continues to face one of the highest overall tax burdens in the nation, with homeowners paying the highest effective property tax rate of any state. The heavy tax load has driven many residents, particularly seniors, to leave Illinois.

During the recent Veto Session, lawmakers took steps to ease that burden by supporting Senate Bill 642, a measure designed to help seniors stay in their homes.

The bipartisan proposal raises the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption over the next several years. Beginning in tax year 2026, the income limit would increase to $75,000, then to $77,000 in 2027, and to $79,000 in 2028 and beyond.

The aim of the legislation is to expand eligibility for the property tax freeze program to allow in-need seniors to qualify for relief and stay in their homes.

The measure passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the Governor for further consideration.