SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinois homeowners can expect an increase in property tax relief under a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) raising the maximum income limitation and deferral amount for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral program.

“Especially for residents on fixed incomes, property taxes can be a heavy financial burden,” Murphy said. “This law expands a key program offering substantial relief to older homeowners, allowing more retirees to stay in their homes and in the state.”

Through tax year 2025, the law raises the maximum income limitation for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral program from $55,000 to $65,000. It also increases the maximum deferral amount from $5,000 to $7,500.

The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral program allows qualifying Illinoisans age 65 and older to defer all or part of their property tax and special assessment payments on their principal residences.

The legislation was sponsored in the House by State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-Olympia Fields).

“This legislation expands the eligibility for fixed-income seniors to help them pay their property taxes,” Meyers-Martin said. “It is important that we pass this legislation to help provide some property tax relief to our seniors and keep them in their homes.”

The law, originally Senate Bill 2244, was signed into law Friday.