General Tax Savings
Citizens of Monroe County who own and occupy property have several programs available to reduce or assist in paying their real estate tax bills.
General Homestead Exemption
Homeowners can reduce their property assessment by $6,000. If you purchase a home and plan to establish it as your primary residence, be sure to sign up for this exemption. To determine if you are currently receiving this exemption visit the parcel inquiry screen. For more information on qualifications or how to sign up for this exemption, contact the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.
Homestead Improvement Exemption
If homeowners add-on or make improvements to their home, they can delay the increase in fair market value up to $75,000 for up to four years. The reduction in value can result in significant savings to the taxpayer. To determine if you are receiving this exemption, please visit the parcel inquiry screen. If you are not receiving this exemption and have made improvement to your property, or are planning to make improvements, contact the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 228.
Senior Citizen Programs
Citizens of Monroe County who are 65 years of age or older who own and occupy their home have several programs available to reduce or assist in paying their real estate tax bills.
Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption
Property owners who are 65 years of age or older can reduce the assessed value of their property by an additional $5,000. If the taxpayer is 65 years of age or older and the property owned is their primary residence, they will qualify for this exemption. To determine if you are receiving this exemption please visit the parcel inquiry screen. If you are not receiving this exemption and you are 65 years of age or older, call the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290 to find out how you can sign up.
Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze
Homeowners who are 65 years of age or older and have a maximum total household income of $65,000 or less, can freeze the assessed value of their property. Since this exemption is based on total household income, it must be renewed annually. To determine if this exemption was applied to your property please visit the parcel inquiry screen. If you would like to sign up for this exemption, contact the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.
Veterans & Disabled Citizens
Monroe County’s Veterans’ and Disabled persons also have several programs available to reduce or assist them in paying their real estate tax bill.
Disabled Person’s Homestead Exemption
Qualifying disabled persons can reduce the equalized assessed value of their property by $2,000. There are certain qualifications and documents that must be provided in order to receive this exemption. Once the disabled person qualifies and receives this exemption, they must file an application by the county’s due date annually to continue receiving the exemption. To find out if you qualify and what documentation is required, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.
Returning Veterans’ Homestead Exemption
Qualifying property owners who are returning veterans from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States can receive exemptions for two consecutive tax years, the year the veteran returns from active duty and the following year, a $5,000 reduction in their property’s equalized assessed value. Certain documentation is required and the veteran must file an application upon their return home. For more information, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.
Specially Adapted Housing for Disabled Veterans
A property owner who is a qualifying disabled veteran can reduce their property’s equalized assessed value up to $100,000 for federally-approved, specially adapted housing available through the local Veterans’ Affairs Office. Certain limitations apply and documentation is required. Since this exemption is provided through the Veterans’ Administration, please contact your local Veterans’ Affairs Office for more information.
Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Exemption
Qualifying disabled veterans with a service connected disability rating of 30% to 100% can reduce the assessed value of their property. The amount of exemption depends on the percentage of the service-connected disability as certified by the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs. A qualified veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 30% but less than 50% will receive a $2,500 reduction in EAV; if a veteran has a service-connected disability of 50% but less than 70%, the annual exemption is $5,000; and if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 70% or more, the residential property is exempt from taxation.
The property owner must apply for this exemption annually by the county’s due date and provide certain documentation. For more information regarding the qualifications and types of documentation required, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 618-939-8681, ext. 290.