Program allows seniors to defer property taxes

DuPage County's treasurer is reminding seniors struggling to pay their property tax bills that help is available.

Treasurer Gwen Henry on Wednesday announced the opening of the application period for the state's Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program. Residents 65 and older who qualify can defer up to $5,000 of their property taxes for the coming tax year until they sell their homes.

Statistics highlight the need for the program, Henry said. Property taxes were paid late last year on more than 3,500 parcels owned by seniors.

Henry said some seniors are having trouble paying their tax bills because they're on a fixed income and their cost of living continues to rise.

"If they can't pay their property taxes, the taxes get sold and they could ultimately lose their house," she said.

As part of the tax deferral program, the state covers the debt with a loan that accrues 6 percent interest until it's repaid.

To qualify, an applicant's household income cannot exceed $55,000. In addition, the property must be used exclusively for residential purposes, officials said.

Henry said 317 DuPage seniors participated in the program last year and the average amount deferred was $4,167 per parcel.

There isn't a limit on the number of deferrals seniors can receive. However, participants must reapply every year to show they still qualify.

To help raise awareness about the program, Henry's office is reaching out to area churches and other organizations.

"The economy really hasn't improved," Henry said. "Seniors are still living on limited incomes, and their taxes are still there."

Property taxes are due in two equal installments. The first is due by June 1 and the second by Sept. 1.

The deadline to apply for the tax deferral program is March 2.

For details, visit dupageco.org/treasurer or call (630) 407-5900.