The Returning Veterans’ Homestead Exemption (35 ILCS 200/15-167) provides a $5,000 reduction in the equalized assessed value (EAV of the veterans principal residence for two consecutive assessment (tax) years, the tax year and the following year that the veteran returns from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States.

The veteran must own and occupy the property on January 1st of the assessment year as his or her principal residence. To qualify you must also be an Illinois resident who has served as a member of the United States Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces. You must also have returned from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the U.S. To qualify you must own or have a legal or equitable interest in the land on which a single family residence is situated and used as your principal place of residence on January 1st of the assessment year. You must also be liable for the property taxes. Documentation will be required to verify eligibility. See instructions on form PTAX-341 for documents necessary to qualify.

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This exemption (SHEVD) provides for a reduction in the equalized assessed value (EAV) of a primary residence occupied by a disabled veteran on January 1 of the assessment year. The exemption amount for veterans or their surviving spouse depends on the percentage of service-connected disability as certified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. A reduction in equalized assessed value (EAV) of $2,500 is granted if the percentage of service-connected disability is at least 30% but less than 50%. A reduction in EAV of $5,000 is granted if the percentage of service-connected disability is at least 50% but less than 70%. A total exemption from taxes is granted if the percentage of service-connected disability is at least 70%. A total property tax exemption will be available for surviving spouses of veterans who are killed in the line of duty on January 1, 2015, or after.

Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214 and documentation that specifies your percentage of “service-connected disability rating” certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

To continue to receive the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD), you must file Form PTAX-342-R each year with your Chief County Assessment Officer (CCAO). Failure to do so may result in the termination of the exemption. Your service-connected disability must be certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Note: Only an un-remarried, surviving spouse of a veteran killed in the line of duty, or a veteran with a disability who previously received the SHEVD can continue to receive the SHEVD provided the spouse has legal or beneficial title to the residential property. A surviving spouse that remarries no longer qualifies for the SHEVD.

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This exemption renewal (PTAX-242-R) must be filed each year by May 1^st with the Douglas County Supervisor of Assessments office. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the exemption.