The Assessor of Fremont Township

JOE HERCHENBACH

Serving Fremont Residents

The township assessor is responsible for assessing (placing a value) on all property for tax purposes, appraising it at its fair market value.

There are four different types of exemptions that either reduce or defer an increase in the equalized value of your property. The net effect of these exemptions is to lower the assessed valuation to which the tax rate is then applied. The qualifications and application procedures vary for each program. However, you must own the property and it must be your primary residence to qualify for any of these exemptions.

General Homestead Exemption

This exemption lowers the equalized assessed value of your property by $8000.00. To receive this exemption, you must:

  • Have lived on the property on or before January 1st of the tax year.
  • The Township Assessor’s office initiates this exemption.

Homestead Improvement Exemption

This exemption defers for four years any increase in the assessment of your property due to an addition or other improvement to your home for which the Township Assessor would add value.

  • A maximum of $25,000.00 of assessed value may be deferred under this program.
  • The Township Assessor’s office initiates this exemption.

Senior Homestead Exemption

  • This exemption lowers the equalized assessed value of your property by $8000.00, and may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption. To receive this exemption, you must:
  • Have lived on the property on or before January 1st of the tax year.
  • Have reached age 65 during the tax year.

Apply for the exemption at the Township Assessor’s office. You will need to bring a copy of the deed to the property and proof of age when you apply. If the property is held in trust, you will also need a copy of the trust agreement indicating the beneficiary and signature page.

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption

Download the Senior Assessment Freeze Application Guide (PowerPoint 2.6 MB)

This exemption freezes the assessment on your property but does not freeze the tax rate. This exemption may be claimed in addition to those described above. You need to understand that the actual taxes that you pay may continue to increase based upon the amounts levied by the taxing bodies where you reside (school districts, park district, village or city, township, etc.) The filing deadline for this exemption is typically mid-September of each year. To receive this exemption, you must:

  • Have fulfilled a property residency requirement as explained on the application form.
  • Be age 65 or older.
  • Have a maximum household income of $65,000. This household income includes that of all persons using the property as their principal dwelling place on January 1st of the tax year.
  • Obtain an application for the exemption at the Township Assessor’s Office. Your completed application must be notarized and returned to:

Chief County Assessment Office
18 N. County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085

NOTE: This exemption must be renewed annually.

Veterans with Disabilities Exemption Renewal (as of January 24, 2022)

The Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities must be filed every year in order to retain this exemption.  The filing period for tax year 2022 is now open.  The renewal can be filed on-line or in-person at the Fremont Township Assessor’s Office.

Proof of disability:

The exemption requires a proof of your service-connected disability rating every year unless are a surviving spouse of a veteran. The letter must contain the following information: an issuing date of 2022 and the percentage of overall service-connected disability. Proof of disability in letter form can be obtained from any one of the following:

  • Veterans Affairs Regional Office - call (800) 827-1000
  • Veteran’s E-Benefit account at www.ebenefits.va.gov

How to Apply On-Line:

  • Have your property PIN number and recent service-connected award letter
  • Go to lakecountyil.gov and click on the Smart E-Filing Portal button in the blue bar on the middle of the page
  • Log in to your account, create a new account, or log in as a guest
  • Click “Available Filings” and choose “EX03: Disabled Persons or Disabled Veterans Exemption Renewal”
  • Click “Begin Filing”
  • Enter the tax year, 2022, and your property PIN, and follow the instructions
  • Upload the service-connected disability letter
  • If the property is owned in trust, proof of beneficiary of the trust may also be required.

How To file in person:

  • Please confirm office availability prior to your visit 847-223-2846
  • Bring your ID such as drivers’ license
  • Bring your current service-connected disability letter
  • If the property is owned in trust, bring the beneficiary of the trust

Where to Get Help Completing the Online Application:

Assistance is available from the Fremont Township Assessor’s Office. Please confirm office availability prior to your visit. Also, Chief County Assessment Office phone number is 847-377-2050.


Other exemptions available through the Chief County Assessment Office include:

Deferral through Lake County Treasurer

For an explanation of the assessment process or to view comparable properties please go to assessor.lakecountyil.gov.

Please call 847.377.2050 for additional information.

Joe Herchenbach - Fremont Twp Assessor

Joe Herchenbach

Assessor

Contact

Joe Herchenbach
22385 W. Illinois Route 60
Mundelein, IL 60060
847.223.2846
847.223.2858 fax
Email: Joe@fremonttownship.com

The Assessor's Office

Photo of Assessors Office employees