January 26, 2026

This does not pertain to Saddlebrook Farms



New Property Tax Exemption Laws Provide More

Tax Relief to Low-Income Senior Citizens

Lake County Township Assessor’s Association is pleased to announce great news for our senior citizen homeowners! To provide additional property tax relief to homeowners on fixed incomes who are 65 years of age or older, the newly revised statute will increase the maximum household income eligibility requirements.

Beginning in 2026, the total maximum household income for the Low-Income Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze has been increased to $75,000 with additional increases in future years! 

Updated Maximum Household Income

​Tax Year​

2025

2026

2027

2028

Maximum Household Income

$65,000

$75,000

$77,000

$79,000

Benefits of Exemption

Property’s assessed value is “frozen” at a “base year”, meaning that the taxable value does not change, providing protection from increases in assessed value and resulting in a more stabilized property tax bill. Note: This exemption does not “freeze” your taxes, it only “freezes” your taxable assessed value.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible the applicant must be 65 years of age or older; own and occupy the home as primary residence; and have a total household income of $75,000 or less (2026)

Required Documentation

The documentation required is a state-issued ID showing first Jan 1^st ownership; 2025 Federal 1040 income tax forms for all people living in household; and trust documents proving beneficial interest (only applicable for those with homes owned in trust)

How to Apply

This exemption must be renewed each year. Apply in-person at your local Township Assessor’s Office (no appointment required), or apply online at www.assessor.lakecountyil.gov

via Lake County’s SmartFile E-Filing System.

Senior Homestead Exemption

The Senior Homestead Exemption is available for any person 65 years of age or older who owns and occupies their home as their primary residence. There is no income limit for this exemption.  Anyone 65 years of age or older may apply.

Additional Updates to the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program

Recent updates also apply to income limits on the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program. The deferral program functions like a loan against the property’s market value. Deferred amounts are “borrowed” from the state of Illinois, who pays up to $7,500 of the tax bill which is repaid after sale of home. More information on this program can be found through the Lake County Treasurer’s website.

Joseph Herchenbach, CIAO

Fremont Township Assessor

22385 Illinois Route 60

Mundelein, IL 60060

847-223-2846

Early voting at Fremont Township starts March 2 and runs through March 14. Voting is around the back of our building in the lower level Monday through Friday 9 am til 5 pm, Saturday 9 am til 2 pm and closed on Sunday.

You may bring a mail in ballot and place in their drop box at a polling place during voting hours. The county also has drop boxes at the Courthouse in Mundelein at 105 Route 83 and at the Lake County Permit Facility at 500 Winchester Road.

If you need to vote earlier than March 2, voting at the Lake County Courthouse is open from February 5-February 27, Monday through Friday from 9 am til 5 pm.

Important information for vote-by-mail voters

Mail postmark rules have changed. Ballots are now postmarked when processed, not when you drop them in the mailbox—this can cause 1–2 day delays.

If you’re returning your ballot close to Election Day:

• Request a manual postmark at the post office

• Use a secure drop box

• Deliver directly to your election office during voting hours

Don’t risk a late postmark. Make sure your vote counts.

Questions? Call Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega's office at 847 377-2410.

Effective January 1, 2026, it is illegal to trash or curbside recycle batteries of any type.

This includes

• Primary (Single-Use): AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button cells.

Home Depot has a kiosk to dispose of these batteries. You must put tape on either end of the battery, or they have individual plastic bags for them.

Mundelein Park & Recreation District offers a variety of programs exclusively for ages 50 and over. Programs are held at the Regent Center, a multi-purpose center serving the needs and interests of Mundelein and area residents. Click here for more information.

The Fremont Library will again host the AARP Tax Facilitators to provide tax preparation services from February 5 to April 9. Register for an appointment online at www.fremontlibrary.org/taxes or call 847 566-8702. Registration began January 7.

Patrons with an income of $84000 or less in 2025 can file their taxes online for free with an in-person tax counselor on hand to answer questions. Computers and a printer will be provided; basic computer skills are required. Register for a one hour time slot. Call 857 566-8702.

Recycling Drop-Off Available

You can recycle the following items in the shed located in our front parking lot:

• Bedding and pet items (leashes, collars, toys, pet food, etc.) for dogs
• Shoes
• Yarn
• American flags (for proper retirement)
• Eyeglasses and hearing aids



Thank you for helping us support both the environment and our community!

We still have our textile bin next to the shed.

 What can I put in the textile bin?

If you have comments for our board, and can't make our meetings, please email Char Kaufman at clerk@fremonttownship.com with your comments.