Published October 9, 2025
Homeowners – Are You Missing Out on FREE Money?
Hey, homeowners!
Did you know that you might be missing out on free money just because you occupy your property!? That's right.. St. Clair, Madison, Clinton and Monroe Counties offer an Owner Occupied Property Tax Exemption (AKA General Homestead Exemption) that takes $6,000 off your yearly assessed value; saving you hundreds of dollars off your property taxes every year!
How do you check to see if you have it? It's simple!
1. Visit your county's website:
- St. Clair County: https://stclairil.
- Madison County: https://madisonil.
- Monroe County: https://
- Clinton County: https://
2. Search your property by using your name or address
3. Look under Exemptions to see you are listed with the "Owner Occupied" exemption
How do I apply?
If you find that you have the Owner Occupied Exemption listed on your county record, that's fantastic! If you don't remember doing this yourself OR have purchased over the past year, then it's possible this is filed under the previous owners name and it's time to refile for yourself!
However, here's the catch - you MUST have your driver's license updated with your new address before you can apply. Once you have your license updated, follow these steps below to apply:
1. Print, fill out, notarize, and mail in or drop off your application to the county's assessor's office.
2. Watch for the county's website to update your record with the exemption, and that's it!
3. Call your favorite Avenue Realtor and tell them THANK YOU for saving you hundreds of dollars a year off your property taxes!
Application Forms:
Monroe County Exemption Info (no PDF form online)
Clinton County Exemption Info (no PDF form online)
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