PARK FOREST – Senior citizens who have qualified for property tax exemptions in Cook County will only need to reapply one more time, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced.

Public Act 101-0622 removes the requirement that recipients of the Senior Homestead Exemption in Cook County reapply for the exemption every year.

“Senior citizens in the South Suburbs are going to have a big weight lifted off their shoulders next year,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased that Illinois is taking steps – even small ones – to correct our broken property tax system.”

After this year, Cook County homeowners will apply for the exemption once when they turn 65. Their exemption will then automatically renew each year.

“I highly encourage all senior citizens who are eligible and are not already receiving the exemption to apply,” Joyce said.

In order for the automatic renewal of the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption to work and prevent fraud, the Cook County Assessor’s office will conduct an audit of every Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption at least once every three years.