St. Charles Township Township Assessor

Neither the township assessor nor the county Supervisor of Assessments has the authority to exempt properties, although applications are processed through the Supervisor of Assessments' office. Because of the savings in tax dollars, it is important for the homeowner to be aware of some of the exemptions available. Contact the Supervisor of Assessments' office at 630-208-3818 to apply for the following exemptions.

This exemption allows a $5,500 deduction in 2008 and $6,000 in 2009 from the equalized assessed value of an owner occupied residential property.

This exemption allows a further $4,000 deduction from the equalized assessed value of an owner occupied property for any property owner 65 years of age or older. A copy of a Medicare card or birth certificate are required for proof of age.

This exemption is granted for residential property that is occupied by an applicant who is age 65 or older during the taxable year (assessment year to which property taxes are payable in the next succeeding year), has a household income of $55,000 or less and is liable for paying real property taxes on the property. The senior must be the owner of record of the property or have a legal or equitable interest in the property. The frozen base amount is based on the previous year's assessment that the senior citizen first qualifies. If the property is revalued at a lower value that the original base year, the base will be changed to the lower value. It should be noted that information gathered from applications for the Senior Citizens Tax Freeze Homestead Exemption is confidential.

This exemption allows a maximum $24,998 deduction in the equalized assessed value (a maximum $75,000 market value) of an owner occupied property used exclusively for residential purposes where an increase in assessed value is attributed solely to the new improvement of an existing structure or the rebuilding of a residential structure following a catastrophic event. The exemption remains in effect for four years.

Maintenance and repairs to residential, owner occupied property do not qualify for the Homestead Improvement Exemption. Work is deemed repair or maintenance when it does not increase the square footage of improvements or does not materially alter the existing character and condition of the structure, but is limited to work performed to prolong the life of the existing property or to keep the existing property in a well maintained condition.

Also, unlike the other exemptions, new residential improvements are identified and calculated in the Township Assessor's office; values eligible for the Home Improvement Exemption are then submitted to the County office for processing.

NEW, BEGINNING in 2007

- Returning Veteran's Homestead Exemption of $5,000.

- Disabled Person's Homestead Exemption of $2,000.

- Disabled Veteran's Standard Homestead Exemption of $2,500 to $5,000.