Homeowners: Make sure you aren’t missing out on property tax savings

Cook County – With the release of 2025 second-installment tax bills from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, homeowners should check to make sure they are not missing property tax-saving exemptions.

Homeowners are encouraged to review the bottom left corner of the tax bill to confirm their exemption deductions. Most homeowners are eligible for the Homeowner Exemption, which can typically save them around $1000. Senior homeowners over 65 are likely eligible for additional property tax savings with the Senior Exemption.

Seniors and Veterans may also be eligible for further exemptions such as the “Senior Freeze” and Veterans with Disabilities exemptions.

If a homeowner believes they are eligible for an exemption, they can apply for their missing property tax savings by completing a Certificate of Error application with the Cook County Assessor's Office. The Certificate of Error process provides homeowners with an opportunity to redeem missing exemptions for the 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 tax years.

Homeowners are encouraged to submit an online application immediately or make an appointment to apply for missing exemptions. Accepted photo IDs and documents required to apply are listed on the Assessor’s website.

As a reminder, homeowners are responsible for paying tax bills to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office by Thursday, October 1, 2026. For payment options, visit cookcountytreasurer.com. 

To learn more about missing exemptions, join a virtual workshop on Facebook or YouTube on the following dates:

Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in English

Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Spanish

To see a full list of available exemptions, visit www.cookcountyassessoril.gov/exemptions.