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How do I check whether I have the right property tax exemptions?

Check the official records and eligibility requirements with your local tax authority. Exemptions and deadlines vary by location and personal circumstances. Do not assume a prior owner’s exemption transfers to you or that the mortgage company applies for it. Confirm the actual approval and its effect on the bill.

By Eric Hamilton · Published September 17, 2026

Find the official record

Use the correct parcel and property address. Review which exemptions appear and the year they cover. A real estate listing or closing estimate is not proof that an exemption has been approved for you.

Read eligibility carefully

Owner occupancy, age, disability, veteran status or other factors may matter under local rules. Ask about required documents and renewal. Do not rely on another county’s instructions.

Keep the servicer informed

If an approved change affects a bill paid through escrow, provide the updated document through the verified process. Ask whether the next analysis will reflect it. Approval does not automatically lower the next payment immediately.

Avoid budgeting an unconfirmed benefit

Use a conservative budget until the authority confirms the amount and timing. If a refund is involved, ask where it goes and how it interacts with escrow.

Sources and scope

General U.S. education. Program, investor, company, servicer and state requirements vary. Agency references describe their own scope, not universal eligibility. Illustrations are hypothetical, not quotes or approvals.

  1. Illinois Department of Revenue: Property tax resources (Illinois only)
  2. CFPB: Escrow and impound accounts Accessed September 17, 2026

Approved for publication by Eric Hamilton on September 17, 2026.

General education, not a loan quote, approval or an individual recommendation. Ask the appropriate professional about your situation.

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Your next questions

What does my mortgage escrow account pay?

An escrow account is money your mortgage servicer collects and holds to pay certain property bills, commonly taxes and homeowners insurance. It is separate from principal and interest. Read your own statement to confirm which bills are included, which you still pay yourself and when the servicer expects to pay them.

Read the answer

Is an escrow shortage the same as higher taxes or insurance?

They are related but different. A higher tax or insurance bill changes the ongoing cost of owning your home. An escrow shortage means the account is below the amount needed under the analysis. A payment increase can include both. Paying the shortage does not automatically reverse the higher annual bill.

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Escrow, lender reserves and emergency savings: what is the difference?

Escrow holds money for specified property bills. Lender reserves are assets a loan program may require you to have after closing. Emergency savings are cash you choose to keep for unexpected needs. These amounts can have different rules and purposes. Do not count money assigned to one job as freely available for another.

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Why did I receive a property tax bill if my mortgage has escrow?

A bill or notice can be sent to you even when your servicer pays property taxes from escrow. Check the document, the account arrangement and the payment deadline. Do not assume every tax or assessment is included, and do not automatically pay twice. Confirm responsibility with the servicer and local tax office.

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