Homeowners who own and occupy the property as their principal residence on January 1 of the tax year and are responsible for paying its property taxes.

Usually applied automatically after you buy a home and record the deed. If it is missing from your tax bill, contact the Crete Township Assessor's office.

Homeowners who are 65 or older during the tax year, own and occupy the home as their principal residence, and are responsible for its property taxes. There is no income limit.

File the application once with proof of age (Illinois driver's license, state ID or birth certificate). After it is approved, it renews automatically while you live in the home.

Homeowners who are 65 or older, have owned and lived in the home on January 1 of both last year and this year, and have a total household income at or below the state limit.

Under Public Act 104-0452 the income limit is $75,000 for the 2026 assessment year (taxes payable in 2027), rising to $77,000 for 2027 and $79,000 for 2028. Household income counts everyone living in the home.

You must apply every year. Will County mails renewal forms each spring to everyone who received the freeze the year before. The freeze limits the assessed value; it does not freeze your tax rate, so your bill can still change.

Homeowners with a disability who own and occupy the home as their principal residence and are responsible for its property taxes.

First-time applicants file the application with proof of disability (for example, a physician's statement on form PTAX-343-A, or an SSA/VA disability award letter). After that, file the renewal form each year.

Illinois veterans with a service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who own and occupy the home. An unremarried surviving spouse may also qualify.

30–49% disability: $2,500 off EAV
50–69% disability: $5,000 off EAV
70% or more: the home is exempt up to $250,000 of EAV

File the application with your VA disability rating letter and DD-214. Renew each year; veterans rated 100% permanent and total do not need to renew.

Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard or Reserves who return from active duty in an armed conflict, and who own and occupy the home.

Apply in the year you return. The exemption applies for that year and the following year. Bring a copy of your DD-214 or orders.

Veterans whose home was purchased or built with federal funds as specially adapted housing because of a service-connected disability. Continues for an unremarried surviving spouse.

Apply through the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, which notifies the county. Renew each year.

Owners who add value to their home through improvements (such as an addition, garage or new room), or by rebuilding after a catastrophe. The added value, up to $75,000 of fair cash value, is not taxed for four years.

Applied by the Assessor's office when the improvement is assessed. Call the office if you have recently finished a project.

Homeowners 65 or older by June 1 of the filing year who have owned and lived in the home for at least 3 years, have household income at or below the state limit, and carry fire and casualty insurance.

This is a loan from the State of Illinois, not an exemption: deferred taxes plus interest are repaid when the home is sold or transferred. Apply through the Will County Treasurer each year.