Senior Assessment Freeze Applications Due Soon

Applications for the 2017 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 2017 freeze exemption is July 7, 2017.

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 2016.

Those seniors filing for the freeze exemption are asked to bring the front page of their
2016 (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.