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State Benefit·Illinois·🏛️Tax Benefits

Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption

$5,000 reduction in Equalized Assessed Value for two years for veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict.

Verified May 12, 2026againsttax.illinois.gov

At a glance

Benefit type
Tax Benefits — Illinois
Who it's for
Veterans
VA rating needed
No rating requirement
Estimated value
$5,000 off assessed value for 2 years
Where it applies
Illinois
Last verified
May 12, 2026

What is Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption?

Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption is a Illinois tax benefits benefit for veterans. $5,000 reduction in Equalized Assessed Value for two years for veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict. The listed value is $5,000 off assessed value for 2 years.

Who qualifies

Veterans
  • Available to any veteran
  • Illinois residency

How to apply

Apply through the official Illinois agency.

Open application

Who is eligible

Eligibility

Veteran returning from active duty in an armed conflict involving U.S. armed forces; must own and occupy property as principal residence on January 1 of the assessment year.

What Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption covers

Exemption

$5,000 reduction in EAV for two consecutive tax years (the year of return and the following year). Veterans returning from additional armed conflicts may receive the exemption again.

How to apply for Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption

How to apply

File Form PTAX-341 with your Chief County Assessment Office.

Open applicationVerify at official source

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: tax.illinois.gov

Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

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Frequently asked questions about Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption

Who qualifies for Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption?▾
Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption is for Veterans; available to any veteran; illinois residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How much is Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption worth?▾
The listed value is $5,000 off assessed value for 2 years. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption?▾
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption?▾
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.

Other Illinois Tax Benefits

Property Tax Exemption (30-49% Disabled)

$2,500 reduction in Equalized Assessed Value for veterans with 30-49% disability rating.

$2,500 off assessed value

Property Tax Exemption (50-69% Disabled)

$5,000 reduction in Equalized Assessed Value for veterans with 50-69% disability rating.

$5,000 off assessed value

Property Tax Exemption (70%+ Disabled)

For veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability, the first $250,000 of Equalized Assessed Value of the residential property is exempt from property taxation.

First $250,000 of EAV exempt (full exemption for most homes)

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