Tax Bills & Exemptions

Requires an initial application, sometimes completed at Closing. 
Required January 1st of the assessment year ownership & occupancy. 
Based on the increase above the 1977 EAV up to $6,000, whichever is less. 
Once you apply for this exemption, it will remain in effect until the property transfers ownership.

General Homestead Exemption Form

Please contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments Office (815) 319-4460 with any questions.

Similar to the General Homestead (Owner Occupied) Exemption, this exemption applies to Single Family Homes that are RENTED.
In order for the property to qualify, the Tenant must occupy the home as of January 1st AND be liable for the payment of real estate taxes with respect to the residence in accordance with the terms and conditions of 35 ILCS 200/15-175.
Exemption must be renewed annually and submitted, along with the signed lease, by the July 1st deadline. 

2023 Rental/Owner Occupancy Exemption Application
2024 Rental/Owner Occupancy Exemption Application 

Please contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments Office (815) 319-4460 with any questions.

Single-Family, Owner Occupied homes that are receiving the General Homestead Exemption only. 
New improvements (such as an addition, patio or deck) that increase the assessed value of the property are required to qualify for this exemption. 
The improvement MUST be completed 100% in order to qualify. 
For example, a new roof, remodeling of kitchens/bathrooms, new flooring, siding or landscaping are NOT eligible, as they do not add assessed value.

4-year exemption of an increase in assessment. Township Assessors report eligible amounts. 

Exempts up to $25,000 in EAV value.  

This exemption can apply to rebuilding or repairing a Single Family home after a catastrophic event as well. 

Please contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments Office (815) 319-4460 with any questions. 

Application for the exemption may be made at any time in the year that the owner turns 65 years old.
Requires ownership and occupancy. 
Automatically renews provided the senior still owns and occupies the residence. 
This exemption reduces the taxable value by $5,000.

Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption Form

Please contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments Office (815) 319-4460 with any questions. 

This exemption provides seniors with limited income protection against real estate tax increases due to rising property values. This exemption is NOT a tax freeze or a tax reduction and does not protect against increased taxes due to tax rate increases.
Requires January 1 occupancy for the year of application and the prior year.
Requires a total household gross income of $65,000 or less.
Requires annual renewal application.  
Applicants must be receiving the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption.  
The deadline for renewal is every year by July 1st.

2023 Low-Income Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Form
2024 Low-Income Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Form

Please contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments Office (815) 319-4460 with any questions. 

Due to State Law, we are required to notify seniors of the availability of the Senior Tax Deferral Program. 
The Winnebago County Treasurer's office will have applications available by January 1st. 
The deadline for filing will be March 1st. 

Application and guidelines are available from the Winnebago County Treasurer, 404 Elm Street, Room 205, Rockford, IL  61101.

Please contact the Winnebago County Treasurer (815) 319-4400 with any questions. 

A 2 year, $5,000 per year, EAV reduction for the first and second year that the veteran (or spouse) owned the home after the veteran returns from active duty in an armed conflict.

Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption Form (PTAX 341)

Please contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments (815) 319-4460 with any questions.

Disability must be a result of armed service. 
Initial application requires proof and percentage of disability. (i.e., award letter from VA and DD 214 form). 
Annual renewals are sent to properties currently receiving exemption. 
Applies to Owner Occupied homes only. 
If disability level is from 30% to 49% the reduction is $2,500 EAV.
If disability level is from 50% to 69% the reduction is $5,000 EAV.
If disability level is from 70% to 100% the property is exempt from property taxes.
This exemption can be granted to "un-remarried surviving spouses."

Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities INITAL Form (PTAX 342)
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilites RENEWAL Form (PTAX 342-R)

Please contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments (815) 319-4460 with any questions.

Inital application requires proof of total disability. (i.,e. a Physician's Statement, a Social Security Award Letter, or an Illinois Persons with Disability ID Card).
Annual renewals are sent to properties currently receiving this exemption. 
Applies to Owner Occupied homes only.
Reduces the EAV by $2,000.

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disbilities INITIAL APPLICATION Form (PTAX 343)
Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disbilities RENEWAL Form (PTAX 343-R)
Physician's Statement Form (PTAX 343-A)

Please contact the Winnebago Supervisor of Assessments Office (815) 319-4460 with any questions.

Properties of religious, charitable, educational organizations, and units of federal, state and local governments are eligible for exemption from property taxes tot he extent provided by law. 
The Winnebago County Board of Review reviews the application and forwards it to the Illinois Department of Revenue for the final administrative decision. 

Please contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments (815) 319-4460 with any questions.