Jefferson County Assessor: the Veterans’ Homestead Exemptions

The exemptions are the State's (the Illinois entries); the Assessor's Property Tax Exemptions page is the local account, with the forms on the county's Applications & Forms page under Tax Forms. Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (35 ILCS 200/15-169). The page: "This annual exemption provides a reduction in the equalized assessed value of a primary residence occupied by a veteran with a disability or the veteran's surviving spouse, during the assessment year." At least 30% but less than 50%, "$2,500 annual exemption"; 50% but less than 70%, "$5,000 annual exemption"; "70% or more, then the first $250,000 of EAV of the residential property is exempt from taxation." The statute exempts the home outright at 70% or more where its total EAV is under $250,000, so read the county's "first $250,000" as that ceiling and ask the Assessor if your home is near it. Returning Veterans Exemption (35 ILCS 200/15-167). "This exemption provides a $5,000 reduction in the veteran's EAV for two consecutive years, the tax year and the following year the veteran returns from active duty in armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States." The veteran must own the home, pay its taxes and live there. Where. Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 South 10th Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864; 618-244-8000; Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Board appointed Lee Ann Crunk Supervisor of Assessments for four years on November 24, 2025.