Who can apply for this senior transfer tax refund?

A buyer who was at least 65 at the time of transfer may apply if the property transfer price was $250,000 or less and the buyer agrees to occupy it as a primary residence for at least one year.

Do I need a notary for the senior refund application?

No. The application is signed without a notary. The applicant certifies the application information and attached supporting documents under penalty of perjury.

How do I submit the refund application?

Send it to the Chicago Department of Finance – Tax Division at the address on the form, or email it to BulkSales@cityofchicago.org. The department must receive it within three years following the transfer.

Chicago, IL · Cook County

No notary required

Real Property Transfer Tax Refund Application for Seniors 65 and Older

This application is for eligible buyers age 65 or older seeking a refund of the CTA portion of Chicago’s Real Property Transfer Tax.

What this form is

Eligible buyers may use this application to request a refund of the CTA portion of the Real Property Transfer Tax for a transfer valued at $250,000 or less. The buyer must have been at least 65 at the time of transfer and agree to occupy the property as a primary residence for at least one year. The form asks for applicant and property details, eligibility documentation, the refund amount, and signatures.

Who needs it

A buyer age 65 or older who meets the transfer-price and primary-residence conditions can apply for the CTA tax portion refund.

How to submit it

Send the application to the Chicago Department of Finance – Tax Division, DePaul Center, 2 N. La Salle Street, Suite 1310, Chicago, Illinois 60602, or email [email protected]. The application must be received within three years following the transfer.

About notarization

This application is signed without a notary; the applicant certifies the information and attached supporting documents under penalty of perjury.

How to submit this form

1
Download the Application
Download the senior Real Property Transfer Tax Refund Application.
2
Complete the Application
Enter applicant and sale property details, verify eligibility, and provide the CTA tax portion paid.
3
Gather Supporting Documents
Include documentation of the transfer price and proof that the buyer was at least 65 at the time of transfer.
4
Sign and Submit
Sign and date the application, then send it to the Chicago Department of Finance – Tax Division within three years following the transfer.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for this senior transfer tax refund?: A buyer who was at least 65 at the time of transfer may apply if the property transfer price was $250,000 or less and the buyer agrees to occupy it as a primary residence for at least one year.
Do I need a notary for the senior refund application?: No. The application is signed without a notary. The applicant certifies the application information and attached supporting documents under penalty of perjury.
How do I submit the refund application?: Send it to the Chicago Department of Finance – Tax Division at the address on the form, or email it to [email protected]. The department must receive it within three years following the transfer.

Need something notarized?

This Real Property Transfer Tax Refund Application for Seniors 65 and Older doesn’t need a notary — but Illinois residents can notarize other documents online with a commissioned online notary.