Illinois State Law allows a qualified veterans organization chartered under federal law to elect to freeze the assessed value of the property it owns and uses.
To qualify, a veterans organization must submit documentation which must contain the information required by the Department of Revenue, including a copy of the organization's congressional charter, the location or description of the property on which is located the principal building for the post, camp, or chapter, a written instrument evidencing that the organization is the record owner or has a legal or equitable interest in the property, an affidavit that the organization is liable for paying the real property taxes on the property, and the signature of the organization's chief presiding officer.
For property that qualifies in assessment year 2001, the assessed value is frozen at 15% of assessment year 2000 assessed value. For properties that qualify after assessment year 2001, the assessed value is frozen at 15% of the assessed value in the assessment year the property first qualifies.
In Rock Island County, the veterans' organization must apply to the Chief County Assessment Office by December 31, 2001. The application form will be submitted to the Chief County Assessment Office who will make the determination of eligibility for the freeze and sufficiency of documentation submitted. The veterans organization must annually submit an application to the Chief County Assessment Office on or before December 31st of the assessment year.
It is important to note to the applicants that the assessment freeze only freezes the assessed value of their property. It does not freeze the amount of the property tax bill.
If you have any questions regarding the Veterans Organization Assessment Freeze, or need to obtain an application, please contact the Chief County Assessment Office.