Illinois Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE)

What is the Illinois Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE)?

The Illinois Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE) program freezes the taxable value of your home starting the first year you qualify. That means the value used to calculate your property taxes won’t go up, even if your home’s market value increases.

For example, if your home was valued at $100,000 when you first qualified, that value stays the same for tax purposes—even if your home is worth more in later years. This helps keep your property taxes lower over time. As long as you continue to qualify each year, the taxable value stays frozen, which can help you save money and avoid rising property tax bills.

Am I eligible for the Illinois SCAFHE?

You may qualify for the Illinois Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption if you meet all of the following:

• You are age 65 or older

• You are a resident of Illinois

• Your total household income is $65,000 or less

• You own and live in the home as your main residence

• You are responsible for paying property taxes on the home

How do I apply for Illinois SCAFHE?

To apply for the Illinois Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, you must fill out the application, form PTAX-340, every year. You can get the application from your Chief County Assessment Office or download and print it here:

• Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Application (2025)

Once you have filled it out, return it to your local County Assessment Office. Include any documents they ask for (such as proof of income or ID).

Note:Even if you’ve received the exemption before, you still need to reapply each year.

What if I need help?

If you need help applying for Illinois SCAFHE or have questions, help is available. You can:

• Contact your local Chief County Assessment Office – they can give you the form and help you fill it out

• Call the Illinois Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Division directly at 1-866-458-7327

These offices can explain the program and help you through each step of the process.