Applications for the 2016 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Exemption are available to qualified DeKalb County seniors 65 and older. The assessment freeze is an exemption that allows qualified senior citizens to freeze their assessment at a base year value. The exemption is equal to the difference between the current assessed value and the base year value. This exemption does not freeze your taxes, only your assessed value. The deadline to apply for the 2016 freeze exemption is July 1, 2016.
The requirements for the exemption are that the owner must be 65 years of age or older, have owned and lived in the property for the last two January firsts, and have a total household income of $55,000 or less for 2015.
Those seniors filing for the freeze exemption are asked to bring a Social Security statement and the front page of their 1040 Federal Income Tax form. If you do not file income tax, your social security statement is needed, as well as verification of any other income received during the year. This exemption is not a “pay-back” program, and should not be confused with the Real Estate Tax Deferral Program thru the Treasurer’s office.
Please call the Chief County Assessment office at 815-895-7120 for further information. Staff at the assessment office can help applicants complete the forms and a free notary service is available if you file in person.
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story