Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced the deadline for homeowners to apply for property tax exemptions is Friday, May 15th. Exemptions are property tax savings that contribute to lowering a property owner’s tax bill. Here are some key things that homeowners should know when applying for exemptions:

• The Homeowner, Senior, and Persons with Disabilities exemptions are automatically renewed.

• However, homeowners must reapply annually for the Veterans with Disabilities, in some cases, and the “Senior Freeze” exemptions. Seniors and disabled veterans that need to reapply were mailed application booklets by the Assessor’s Office. These must be turned in by May 15.

• Applications can be downloaded at www.cookcountyassessor.il.gov/exemptions, where forms are available in Spanish, Polish, and simplified Chinese.

• Homeowners can also easily access the online application at www.cookcountyassessor.il.gov/exemptions. This streamlined online process can reduce the time it takes to apply.