Illinois Guide · Updated April 2026
With the highest average property tax rate in the country, Illinois homeowners benefit enormously from homestead exemptions. HOMES and HEAR are both pending USDOE approval — Illinois EPA administers with DCEO as implementing partner; join the Energy Rebates Listserv for launch updates.
Illinois homeowners can access federal tax credits, state HOMES/HEAR rebate programs, and local property tax exemptions. Here is the current status of every major program as of April 2026:
Illinois HOMES and HEAR are pending USDOE approval — waitlist is open via IL EPA
Illinois EPA administers; DCEO is the implementing partner. Join the Energy Rebates Listserv for launch updates.
Illinois has the highest average property tax rate (2.07%), making exemptions extremely valuable
General homestead exemption reduces EAV by up to $10,000 for qualifying homeowners
Illinois HOMES program is pending USDOE approval. Illinois EPA is the administering agency; DCEO is the implementing partner. Join the Energy Rebates Listserv at epa.illinois.gov for launch updates.
Official program page →Illinois HEAR program is also pending USDOE approval. Waitlist updates via the IL EPA Energy Rebates Listserv. Income-qualified households receive higher amounts when funding opens.
Official program page →Reduces your equalized assessed value by up to $10,000. With IL's 2.07% average rate, this translates to significant annual savings. Must be owner-occupied primary residence.
IRC §25D (30% solar) and §25C (heat pump, $2,000 cap) were terminated for installs placed in service after December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, July 2025). Still claimable on your 2025 return if installation was completed by Dec 31, 2025.
Official program page →We monitor HOMES and HEAR program status in all 50 states. When a program opens or a waitlist moves, you'll be the first to know.
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Start the quizCounty, city, utility, and regional programs specific to each metro area. These are in addition to the statewide programs listed above.