Returning Veterans Exemption Questions

What is a Returning Veterans Homeowner Exemption?

Veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict are eligible to receive a $5,000 reduction in the equalized assessed value of their property only for each taxable year in which they return.

What criteria makes someone eligible for the Returning Veterans Homeowner Exemption?

To qualify the veteran must be:

• an Illinois resident who has served as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard or U.S. Reserve Forces,
• be returning from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the U.S.,
• owned or had a legal or equitable interest in the property and used it as a principal place of residence on January 1, 2018 and
• be liable for the payment of property taxes.ÿ

What additional documentation do I need to submit with my Returning Veterans Homeowner Exemption Application?

Veterans must complete the exemption application with the CCAO and:

• If a veteran is discharged from active duty service, he or she will need to provide the Department of Defense DD Form 214 certified by the County Recorder or Recorder of Deed?s or the Illinois Department of Veterans? Affairs.
• If a veteran is still on active duty after returning home, they will need to provide military orders and a travel voucher showing the date of his or her return.ÿ The documents must state that they are returning from armed conflict involving the armed forces of the U.S. within the tax year that they are requesting the exemption.

Please Note: This exemption may be received in addition to any of the other exemptions.