HB1888 Summary

• Removes the annual reapplication requirement for veterans with disabilities who have been granted a homestead exemption under Illinois Property Tax Code Section 15-169.

• Allows county assessment officers to approve the exemption for the 2020 taxable year without an application for properties that received the exemption in 2019, provided the county declared a COVID-19 disaster and ownership remained unchanged.

• Maintains existing exemption amounts based on service-connected disability rating: $2,500 for 30-69% disability, $5,000 for 50-69% disability, and full exemption for 70% or higher disability (beginning 2015).

• Preserves provisions allowing the exemption to transfer to a veteran's surviving spouse and to continue if the veteran relocates to a nursing home or VA facility while the property remains owned or occupied by the spouse.