Unless otherwise noted, contact the Office of Assessments for details and applications. Click the link for the associated exemption or visit the McHenry County website for these or other forms, Departments/Assessments/Forms and Rules.

Phone: (815) 334-4290
Fax: (815) 334-4939
Email: assessments@mchenrycountyil.gov 

Important: Exemptions reduce the equalized assessed value of your property. Your actual tax bill depends on the calculated local tax rates.

General Homestead Exemption

• Reduces equalized assessed value by up to $8,000.
• Available for all owner-occupied residences. Must own and occupy as of January 1^st.
• No age requirement.
• Check your tax bill to confirm; contact your township assessor or this office if missing.
• Click here for Assessor Contact

Senior Citizen’s Homestead Exemption

• Reduces equalized assessed value by up to $8,000.
• Must be 65 or older during the taxable year.
• Click here for Senior Citizen Homestead Form

Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze

• Freezes the equalized assessed value at the base year (year before first qualifying).
• Prevents increases due to inflation.
• Must be 65 or older, household income $75,000 or less.
• Application is due July 1 each year.
• Fraudulent applications are subject to perjury penalties.
• Must own and occupy property for two consecutive January 1^st.
• Click here for Senior Freeze Form
• Click here for 2026 Low-Income Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Chart 1040 example.
• Click here for 2026 Conversion Chart 1040SR example.

Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program

• State loan program for qualified seniors.
• Loans up to $7,500 annually for property taxes.
• Must be 65 or older by June 1, household income $75,000 or less.
• Application is due March 1 each year.
• Contact McHenry County Treasurer: (815) 334-4260 or visit McHenry County Treasurer

Accessibility Improvement Exemption

• Excludes assessed value increase for 7 years after accessibility modifications (e.g., ramps, grab bars, widened doorways).
• Must be owner-occupied.
• Contact your township assessor for details.
• Click here for Assessor Contact

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities

• $2,000 off equalized assessed value annually.
• Must provide proof of disability (e.g., Social Security eligibility or Illinois disability ID).
• Applies to owner-occupied homes, some exceptions for cooperatives and care facilities.
• Click here for Persons with Disabilities Form

Veterans’ Exemptions

• Returning Veterans’ Homestead Exemption: $5,000 off equalized assessed value for two years after returning from armed conflict.
• Illinois Dept of Revenue Disabled Veterans’ Exemption: Up to $100,000 off equalized assessed value for specially adapted housing. Contact U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs or local Illinois office: (815) 338-9292.
• Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities:
  • 30–49% disability: $2,500 off equalized assessed value.
  • 50–69% disability: $5,000 off equalized assessed value.
• 70% or more: Fully exempt up to $250,000 equalized assessed value (conditions apply).
• Click here for Disabled Veterans Exemption Form
• Note: Only one disability exemption may be claimed per applicant.

Home Improvement Exemption

• Excludes up to $25,000 of equalized assessed value increase for qualifying improvements.
• Applies for up to 4 years after improvement.
• No age requirement.
• Click here for Assessor Contact

Additional Programs - Benefit Access Program

• Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit
• Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride
• License Plate Discount
• Apply online: Illinois Benefits Access
• For assistance: Senior Services Associates (McHenry: 815-344-3555 | Crystal Lake: 815­-356-7457).

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