General Homestead Exemption

General Homestead Exemption (GHE)

Benefit:

Following the Illinois Property Tax Code, this exemption lowers the equalized assessed value of the property by $8,000. These changes will be reflective for 2023 payable in 2024.

To Qualify:

To qualify, applicants must:

• Property must be the principal residence of the owner.
• Can only receive on one property.
• Have lived on the property on or before January 1^st of the tax year; otherwise, on new construction, the value may be prorated for the portion of the year that is was owner-occupied.

To Apply:

All applications must be submitted online through the Smartfile E-Filing Portal.  You can receive assistance by phone or in person by calling the Cuba Township Assessor’s Office at 847-381-1120.  To start the application process:

• Go to the Chief County Assessment Office Smart E-Filing Portal at assessor.lakecountyil.gov
• Log in to your account, create a new account, or log in as a guest
• Click “Available Filings”
  • EX01: Homestead Exemption Application (First time applications only)
• Click “Begin Filing” and follow the instructions

35 ILCS 200/15-175

Properties Held in Trust

When you are applying for a new exemption and the property is held in trust, we must verify that the applicant is a beneficiary of that trust. The exemptions cannot be applied without this verification. Please include a copy of that part of the actual trust agreement which states that the applicant is a beneficiary. This can usually be found on the first few pages of the trust document. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly at 847-381-1120.