Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Homeowner’s Exemption

By John Lyons

John Lyons, a distinguished broker associate at Baird & Warner, has carved a niche in the Chicago real estate market with his comprehensive, client-first approach. With over $130 million in career sales, Lyons has a proven track record in assisting a diverse range of clients, including luxury home buyers, first-time buyers, sellers looking to move up, and investors.

Many homeowners in Chicago are unaware that they’re overpaying on property taxes because they missed one simple step—applying for the homeowner’s exemption. Failing to do this can lead to overpaying thousands of dollars in taxes. But, the good news is that it’s not too late to fix it. Today, I’ll walk you through how you can apply for this exemption and start saving on your property taxes.

What is the homeowner’s exemption? The homeowner’s exemption is a property tax break that lowers the amount of your home’s value that is taxed. If you’ve owned and lived in your home as your primary residence since January 1st of the tax year, you likely qualify. The exemption can help reduce your property taxes, saving you money every year.

How to apply for the exemption. It’s quick and easy to apply for the homeowner’s exemption. All you have to do is to follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Visit the Cook County Assessor’s website and click on the “Exemptions” tab to learn more about the program.

Step 2. Click “Apply Online” to start your application. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t have one yet.

Step 3. Prepare your documents: You’ll need your property index number (PIN) or address, plus proof of ownership or residency (such as your driver’s license, a recent tax bill, or the deed).

Step 4. Submit the application and review your information. Once approved, the exemption will be automatically renewed every year.

Once your application is approved, the exemption will lower your property taxes, and you’ll start saving money right away. The best part is, you can also apply retroactively for the past three years, which could lead to a tax refund of thousands of dollars.

Applying for the homeowner’s exemption takes only a few minutes, but the savings can be substantial. If you’re ready to start saving or have any questions, feel free to call or text me at (773) 558-7133 or email me at john.lyons@bairdwarner.com. I’m here to help you ensure you are making the right real estate moves today.