Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a provision concerning the exemption for property used for charitable or beneficent purposes, provides that the term "institution of public charity" includes a not-for-profit organization that is organized and operated primarily as an entrepreneurial support organization and that supports, mentors, and trains entrepreneurs, if the applicant provides: (i) affirmative evidence that the organization is an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or its successor and (ii) affirmative evidence that the property is used for the provision of services typically provided by entrepreneurial support organizations. Provides that an entrepreneurial support organization shall satisfy the conditions for a property tax exemption with respect to any of its properties and shall be issued a charitable exemption for that property if the value of charitable services or activities provided by the entrepreneurial support organization using the property during the relevant year equals or exceeds the estimated property tax liability of the property for the year for which an exemption is sought. Specifies that the provisions of the amendatory Act are declarative of existing law and are to be given retroactive effect.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for the purpose of granting the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, for taxable years 2025 and thereafter, if the veteran has a service connected disability of 60% or more, then the property is exempt from taxation under the Code (currently, if the veteran has a service connected disability of 70% or more, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value is exempt from taxation under the Code). Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that no interest or penalties shall be imposed with respect to property that is included in a decedent's probate estate at the time of a delinquency if the representative of the decedent's estate applies with the county treasurer for a waiver of those amounts and is granted that waiver. Provides that the waiver shall apply beginning on the date of the decedent's death until the earlier of either: (i) the date on which the property is sold, transferred, or conveyed or (ii) the date on which the estate is closed.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in counties with a population of 200,000 or more that classify property, any residential property used in whole or in part as a short-term rental accommodation for 30 or more days in any year shall be assessed on the same basis of assessment as commercial property

Creates the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief Act. Provides that an individual: (i) who is domiciled in this State; (ii) who is eligible for and receives either the general homestead exemption or the general alternative homestead exemption; (iii) who has experienced property tax bill spikes; and (iv) who has an income that meets a specified income eligibility limitation is eligible for a grant of a portion of the person's property tax bill spike. Provides that the maximum amount of grant to which a claimant is entitled is 50% of the claimant's tax bill spike. Creates the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief Fund for the purpose of making grants to claimants. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Establishes a homestead exemption for qualified homestead property that has been continuously owned, used, and occupied as the primary residence by the qualified taxpayer for at least 30 years any time prior to January 1 of the taxable year for which the exemption would apply. Requires taxpayers who have been granted an exemption to reapply on an annual basis. Provides that the assessor or chief county assessment officer may determine the eligibility of residential property to receive the homestead exemption by application, visual inspection, questionnaire, or other reasonable methods. Sets forth provisions concerning the review of exemptions granted under the provisions. Defines "qualified homestead property" and "qualified taxpayer". Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, beginning in taxable year 2026, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption shall be increased each year by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Establishes a homestead exemption for qualified homestead property that has been continuously owned, used, and occupied as the primary residence by the qualified taxpayer for at least 30 years prior to January 1 of the taxable year for which the exemption would apply. Requires taxpayers who have been granted an exemption to reapply on an annual basis. Provides that the assessor or chief county assessment officer may determine the eligibility of residential property to receive the homestead exemption by application, visual inspection, questionnaire, or other reasonable methods. Sets forth provisions concerning the review of exemptions granted under the provisions. Defines "qualified homestead property" and "qualified taxpayer". Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities and veterans of World War II, provides that, if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 50% or more, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value of the property is exempt from taxation under the Code (currently, if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 50% or more but less than 70%, the annual exemption is $5,000, and, if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 70% or more, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value of the property is exempt). Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a homestead exemption is granted for property that (i) is located in a county with 1,000,000 or more inhabitants and (ii) is owned and occupied as a principal residence during the taxable year by a qualified municipal worker. Provides that the amount of the homestead exemption shall be a reduction from the equalized assessed value of the property in an amount equal to 5% of the equalized assessed value of the property. Effective immediately.