Property Tax Exemptions Available to Homeowners

Exemptions reduce the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) by a specific amount; the actual tax savings depends on the current tax rate for that property.

TOWNSHIP-GRANTED EXEMPTIONS

The following exemptions are granted directly by the Grafton Township Assessor’s Office. Our staff is happy to help homeowners complete and submit these applications, answer questions, and provide guidance throughout the process.

General Homestead Exemption

This exemption reduces the assessed value by $8,000 for the current tax year. It applies only to the owner’s principal residence and is administered by the Grafton Township Assessor’s office. The exemption remains active each year if qualifications continue to be met. Click HERE

General Homestead Exemption Removal Waiver

If you would like to remove the General Homestead Exemption from your property in order to claim it on another qualifying residence, please complete the General Homestead Exemption Removal Waiver HERE

Homestead Improvement Exemption

Reduces the assessed value of an owner-occupied property by up to $25,000 assessed value (equivalent to $75,000 in market value) for a qualifying new improvement, such as additions or permanent upgrades, added to your home. The exemption lasts for four years after the improvement is completed. The Assessor’s Office applies the exemption and verifies the amount with the McHenry County Assessment Office.

COUNTY-GRANTED EXEMPTIONS

The McHenry County Assessment Office is responsible for granting or denying the following exemptions. The Grafton Township Assessor’s Office keeps copies of the applications and is happy to help homeowners complete and submit them on their behalf, answer questions, and review eligibility. Once submitted, the County Assessment Office processes and finalizes the exemptions. For more information and forms, click HERE to be directed to the McHenry County Assessment Office website.

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption

This exemption reduces the assessed value by $8,000 for the current tax year. It applies only to the owner’s principal residence, and the owner must be 65 or older by December 31 of the assessment year.

Low-IncomeSenior Citizen Assessment Freeze

This exemption freezes your property’s assessed value at a base year, meaning your assessed value will not increase even if your home’s market value rises. It does not freeze your tax bill, which can still change if tax rates or local budgets change. To qualify, the property must be your primary residence for at least two consecutive years, the owner must be 65 or older by December 31 of the assessment year, and your household must meet the income limits: $65,000 for 2025, $75,000 for 2026, $77,000 for 2027, and $79,000 for 2028.

Other Exemptions Available

•          Persons with Disabilities Homestead Exemption
•           Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption
•           Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption

McHenry county Assessment Office

Mailing Address:  Office of Assessments 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL  60098

Office Location:  667 Ware Rd., Room 106, Woodstock, IL  60098

Phone:  815-334-4290  Fax:  815-338-8522  Email:  assessments@Mchenrycountyil.gov

Please click HERE for a printable list of exemptions.