Bertino-Tarrant cuts red tape for seniors

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois seniors may soon no longer need to reapply for Senior Citizens Homestead Exemptions, thanks to State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) introduced Senate Bill 140, which would eliminate the need for senior citizens to reapply for an exemption once the assessor or chief county assessment officers grants a Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption.

“This new measure will cut redundant bureaucratic hurdles our seniors need to repeat every year,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Once you are an approved for an exemption, it is already verified that the senior meets the age and legal requirements.”

Senate Bill 140 provides that all senior citizens in Illinois only need to apply once for an exemption.

This year as of January, Cook County reported there were more than 270,000 applications and approximately 80,000 seniors were mailed notices to remind them to renew their exemptions.

“This measure will not only save our seniors an extra headache, but also reduce paper and save vital taxpayer dollars,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Streamlining the process for Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption will cut the red tape and allow seniors to see savings without needless paperwork.”

The Senior Homestead exemption is an annual tax write off available for residential property where the occupant is at least 65 years of age.

Senate Bill 140 is assigned to the Senate’s Revenue Committee. Bertino-Tarrant expects to have a hearing in the coming weeks.