Citizens of Monroe County who own property have several programs available to reduce or assist in paying their real estate tax bills.

General Homestead Exemption

Homeowners can reduce their property assessment by $6,000. If you purchase a new home and plan to establish it as your primary residence, be sure to sign up for this exemption. To determine if you are currently receiving this exemption visit the parcel inquiry screen. For more information on qualifications or how to sign up for this exemption, contact the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.

Homestead Improvement Exemption

If homeowners add-on or make improvements to their home, they can delay the increase in fair market value up to $75,000 for four years. The reduction in value for four years can result in significant savings to the taxpayer. To determine if you are receiving this exemption, please visit the parcel inquiry screen. If you are not receiving this exemption and have made improvement to your property, or are planning to make improvements, contact the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext 228 for more information.

Citizens of Monroe County who are 65 years of age or older and own their home have several programs available to reduce or assist in paying their real estate tax bills.

Senior Citizen Exemption

Property owners who are 65 years of age or older can reduce the assessed value of their property by an additional $4,000.  If the taxpayer is 65 years of age or older and the property owned is their primary residence, they will qualify for this exemption.  To determine if you are receiving this exemption please visit the parcel inquiry screen.  If you are not receiving this exemption and you are 65 years of age or older, call the Assessor's Office at 618-939-8681, ext 290 to find out how you can sign up.

Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze

Homeowners who are 65 years of age or older and have a maximum total household income of $55,000 or less, can freeze the taxable value of their property.  Since this exemption is based on total household income, it is imperative that the homeowner sign up annually.  To determine if this exemption was applied to your property please visit the parcel inquiry screen.  If you would like to sign up for this exemption, contact the Assessor's Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.

Circuit Breaker

Senior citizens and disabled citizens may qualify for a grant up to $700.00 to assist in paying property tax through the Circuit Breaker Grant Program.  The Circuit Breaker program is administred by the Illinois Department on Aging.  For more information please contact the Department on Aging at 1-800-624-2459 or on their website at www.state.il.us/aging.

Monroe County's Veterans' and Disabled persons also have several programs available to reduce or assist them in paying their real estate tax bill.

Disabled Person's Homestead Exemption

Qualifying disabled persons can reduce the equalized assessed value of their property by $2,000.  There are certain qualifications and documents that must be provided in order to receive this exemption.  Once the disabled person qualifies and receives this exemption, they must file an application by the county's due date annually to continue receiving the exemption.  To find out if you qualify and what documentation is required, please contact the Assessor's Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.

Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption

Qualifying property owners who are returning veterans from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States can receive a one-time $5,000 reduction in their property's equalized assessed value.  Certain documentation is required and the veteran must file an application upon their return home.  For more information, please contact the Assessor's Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.

Disabled Veterans' Homestead Exemption

A property owner who is a qualifying disabled veteran can reduce their property's equalized assessed value up to $70,000 for federally-approved, specially adapted housing available through the local Veterans' Affairs Office.  Certain limitations apply and documentation is required.  Since this exemption is provided through the Veterans' Administration, please contact your local Veterans' Affairs Office for more information,

Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption

A qualifying property owner who is a veteran and has a service-connected disability which is certified by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, may receive an exemption of up to $5,000 off their property's equalized assessed value.  The property owner must apply for this exemption annually by the county's due date and provide certain documentation.  For more information regarding the qualifications and types of documentation required, please contact the Assessor's Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.