Disabled veterans who qualified for the Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead Exemption for their previous home would qualify for a pro-rated exemption for their new home, under legislation sponsored by State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru).
Rezin’s Senate Bill 872 passed the Illinois Senate April 26 and heads to the House for consideration.
“The problem now is if a disabled veteran moves into a new residence, he or she is on the hook for paying the outstanding property taxes until he or she can reapply for the Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption the next year,” Rezin said. “This legislation allows this exemption to follow the veteran if he or she moves in the middle of the year.”
This issue was brought to Sen. Rezin’s attention by a Morris veteran, who wished to remain anonymous. “Illinois has always cared for its sons and daughters who have worn the uniform of this country,” the Veteran said. “No state in the union cares more for its veterans than the State of Illinois. Quoting President Lincoln, ‘To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.’ This legislation speaks to these sacred words.”
“Our wounded warriors deserve the utmost honor, respect, and gratitude,” Rezin said. “It’s unfortunate our disabled veterans are being faced with a higher property tax bill just because they moved. It doesn’t make sense this exemption can’t follow them from move to move. This will not only give them more peace of mind when they move, but it’s the right thing to do for our American heroes.”
Rezin’s legislation is modeled after the current property tax exemption process for senior citizens.
To see a breakdown of the benefits of the Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption, go here.