Exemptions ease property tax pain

Every year we read or see stories in the media about homeless veterans. One Chicago study found that one of every three homeless males is a U.S. armed forces veteran. This is not only a personal tragedy for these individuals but a disgrace to our society. This is even more terrible in the fact that some of these veterans are disabled.

I have heard from many veterans who are struggling to stay in their own homes because their property taxes are too great a burden. To help ease that burden, I and others fought for several years to increase the financial relief available under property tax exemptions. Even more importantly we were successful in creating a new exemption for veterans with disabilities. Under this new law veterans who are at least 50 percent but less than 75 percent disabled can qualify for a $2,500 Homestead Exemption. Veterans who are 75 percent to 100 percent disabled can qualify for a $5,000 exemption.

There is also a new one-time returning veteran Homestead Exemption of $5,000 available for the year in which veterans return from duty.

The general Homestead Exemption available to all homeowners was increased to $5,500. The senior Homestead Exemption available to all homeowners 65 years or older was also increased to $4,000. The Senior Property Tax Assessment Freeze income threshold was increased to $55,000, and a new $2,000 Homestead Exemption for people with disabilities was created.

There is also a program called Seniors Citizen Tax Deferral in which those 65 years or older whose income is less than $50,000 can defer all or part of their property tax on their residence until the taxpayer's death or the property is sold.

The Circuit Breaker program can also help senior citizens and people with disabilities with property tax rebates. Renters and those who live in nursing homes are also eligible for rebates. This program can also help with prescription costs and an auto license plate discount. Legislation I co-sponsored allows veterans who qualify for the Circuit Breaker to get their veterans license plates at the discounted price. The income thresholds are $22,218 for a one-person household, $29,480 for a two-person household or $36.740 for households with three or more people.

I am very proud of these important property tax relief measures, but I want to do more. To find out how together we can do more or if you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact my legislative office at (309) 736-3360.

Mike Boland

State Representative

71st District