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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The SHEVD (35 ILCS 200/15-169) provides an annual reduction in the equalized assessed value (EAV) of a
primary residence occupied by a veteran with a disability, or the veteran’s qualifying surviving spouse, on
January 1 of the assessment year or on a prorated basis during the time of occupancy for the assessment
year.

To qualify for the SHEVD, the veteran must be an Illinois resident who served as a member of the U.S.
Armed Forces on active duty or state active duty, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces, have at
least a 30 percent service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and
receive disability compensation; OR have been a member of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II
(December 7, 1941- December 31, 1946), regardless of any disability rating or the receipt of disability
compensation.

If a veteran has a service-connected disability of 30% or more but less than 50%, then the annual
exemption is $2,500; if the veteran has service-connected disability of 50% or more but less than 70%,
then the annual exemption is $5,000; and if the veteran as a service-connected disability of 70% or
more, then the first $250,000 of EAVofthe residential property is exempt from taxation.
For complete general information concerning the SHEVD, please refer to the General Information Form
provided with the PTAX-342 and the PTAX-342-R applications.

Any questions may be directed to the Supervisor of Assessments Office@ 217-253-3031 or
[email protected].

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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.