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πŸ“… First Installment Due: June 25, 2026 | Second Installment Due: September 3, 2026
πŸ›οΈ Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
πŸ’³ Pay Your Taxes Online 24/7 - Fast, Secure, and Convenient!
✨ New! Join the CHOICES Program - Make Tax Payments Easier with Flexible Payment Plans
πŸ“… First Installment Due: June 25, 2026 | Second Installment Due: September 3, 2026
πŸ›οΈ Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
πŸ’³ Pay Your Taxes Online 24/7 - Fast, Secure, and Convenient!
✨ New! Join the CHOICES Program - Make Tax Payments Easier with Flexible Payment Plans

Property Tax Exemptions

Property tax exemptions can significantly reduce your tax bill. Review the exemptions below to see if you qualify and learn how to apply.

Important Notice

Exemptions are processed by the County Assessor's Office, not the Treasurer's Office. However, we're here to help you understand what exemptions are available and guide you through the process.

Kankakee County Assessor's Office:
Phone: (815) 937-2945
Address: 189 E. Court St, Kankakee, IL 60901

Available Exemptions

General Homestead Exemption
Reduces the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of your home by up to $10,000, lowering your property tax bill.
Up to $10,000
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence
  • Property must be your principal place of residence as of January 1st
  • Automatically renewed each year once approved
Required Documents
  • Proof of ownership (deed)
  • Valid ID
  • Proof of residency
Ongoing - Apply anytime
Download
Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption
Additional reduction for senior citizens who meet income requirements.
Up to $8,000
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be 65 years or older during the tax year
  • Must own and occupy the property as primary residence
  • Total household income must be $65,000 or less
Required Documents
  • Proof of age (birth certificate, driver's license)
  • Income verification
  • Proof of ownership and residency
Ongoing - Apply anytime
Download
Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze (Senior Freeze)
Freezes the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of your property, protecting you from increased taxes due to rising property values.
Freezes EAV
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be 65 years or older during the tax year
  • Total household income must be $65,000 or less
  • Must have owned and occupied property for at least 1 year prior to application
  • Property must be your primary residence
Required Documents
  • Proof of age and income
  • Previous year's property tax bill
  • Proof of ownership
Annual application required - Deadline varies
Download
Persons with Disabilities Exemption
Reduces property taxes for qualifying individuals with disabilities.
Up to $2,000
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must have a documented disability as defined by federal law
  • Must own and occupy the property as primary residence
  • Disability must be certified by a licensed physician or government agency
Required Documents
  • Disability certification from physician or SSA
  • Proof of ownership and residency
  • Valid ID
Ongoing - Apply anytime
Download
Disabled Veterans Standard Exemption
Property tax reduction for disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Up to $2,500
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be a veteran with service-connected disability of at least 30%
  • Must own and occupy the property as primary residence
  • Disability rating certified by VA
Required Documents
  • VA disability rating letter
  • DD-214 or military discharge papers
  • Proof of ownership and residency
Ongoing - Apply anytime
Download
Disabled Veterans 100% Exemption
Complete property tax exemption for qualifying severely disabled veterans.
100% Exempt
Eligibility Requirements
  • Veteran must have 100% service-connected disability rating
  • Property must be specially adapted for wheelchair use, OR
  • Veteran is 70% or more disabled and disability rated permanent
Required Documents
  • VA 100% disability rating letter
  • Certification of adapted housing (if applicable)
  • DD-214
  • Proof of ownership
Ongoing - Apply anytime
Download
Returning Veterans Exemption
Provides tax relief for veterans who have recently returned from active military service.
Up to $5,000
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must have returned from active duty in armed forces within the past year
  • Must own and occupy the property as primary residence
  • Property value must be under $250,000
Required Documents
  • DD-214 or discharge papers
  • Proof of ownership and residency
  • Documentation of return date
Must apply within one year of returning from service
Download
Home Improvement Exemption
Exempts the increased value from residential improvements from property taxes for 4 years.
4-year exemption
on tax increases
Eligibility Requirements
  • Improvements must increase property value by at least $25,000
  • Property must be owner-occupied residential
  • Improvements must be completed within 2 years
Required Documents
  • Building permits
  • Contractor receipts/invoices
  • Photos of improvements
Apply before January 1st of the assessment year following completion
Download

How It Works

1

Determine Eligibility

Review the exemption requirements to see which exemptions you qualify for.

2

Gather Documentation

Collect all required documents such as proof of age, income, disability status, or military service.

3

Complete Application

Fill out the appropriate exemption application form completely and accurately.

4

Submit to County

Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the County Assessor's Office (not the Treasurer's Office).

5

Await Approval

The Assessor's Office will review your application and notify you of approval or denial.

FAQs

Can I apply for multiple exemptions?

Yes! You may qualify for multiple exemptions. For example, a senior citizen who is also a disabled veteran can apply for both the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption and the Disabled Veterans Exemption.

Do I need to reapply every year?

Most exemptions automatically renew once approved, except for the Senior Freeze which requires annual income verification. Always check with the Assessor's Office to confirm your exemption status.

When will I see the reduction on my tax bill?

Approved exemptions typically appear on your tax bill for the following tax year. Processing times vary, so apply as early as possible.

What if my application is denied?

You have the right to appeal a denial. Contact the Assessor's Office for information about the appeals process and deadlines.

Are there exemptions for businesses or rental properties?

Most exemptions listed here are for owner-occupied residential properties. Some commercial and agricultural exemptions may be available. Contact the Assessor's Office for information on non-residential exemptions.

Need Help with Applications?

Contact the Assessor's Office directly for exemption applications and processing.

189 E. Court St, Kankakee, IL 60901
Questions About Your Tax Bill?

The Treasurer's Office can help you understand your tax bill and answer payment questions.

Servicios en EspaΓ±ol Disponibles

Spanish-speaking staff are available to assist you with questions about exemptions and your tax bill.