Applications are now being accepted for DuPage County’s Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program.
Qualifying homeowners ages 65 and older can defer up to $5,000 in property taxes and any special assessments until the day the home is sold or to within a year of the owner’s death, county Treasurer Gwen Henry said in a news release.
An applicant’s annual household income cannot be more than $55,000, Henry said. The property in question also “must be used exclusively for residential purposes,” she said.
“The deferral is treated as a loan, and accrues at 6 percent simple interest until paid,” Henry said.
Henry said many seniors are unaware of the program. Toward that end, her office is again “working with local churches and other organizations to help inform seniors” about the program’s existence.
In addition to the age, income and residency requirements, applicants must have lived in Illinois in a qualifying property at least three years; be liable for paying real estate taxes on that property; have no delinquent real estate taxes; and have fire and casualty insurance. The completed application is due by March 1.
Application forms have already been mailed to last year’s participants. A copy of the application can be found at www.dupageco.org/treasurer.
Forms also can be obtained by calling Henry’s office at 630-407-5900.
