States With No Property Tax For Seniors in the USA
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2024, over 56 million Americans are aged 65 or older. That number is projected to hit 73 million by 2030. With rising housing costs, inflation, and healthcare expenses, many seniors are looking for ways to stretch their retirement income.
And here’s the kicker: property taxes are one of the most significant ongoing costs for homeowners in retirement.
According to the Tax Foundation, the average American household pays $2,795 annually in property taxes. In states like New Jersey and Illinois, that number easily jumps to $6,000 or more.
So, it’s no surprise that senior homeowners are actively seeking out states with property tax exemptions, freezes, or reductions. And believe it or not, a few states go a step further—offering no property tax at all (under certain conditions).
What Does “No Property Tax” Really Mean?
Let’s get one thing straight—no state in the U.S. fully eliminates property tax for every resident. However, many states offer special property tax relief programs for seniors. These include:
- Full exemption: Property taxes are entirely waived for qualifying seniors.
- Partial exemption: A portion of the home’s value is tax-exempt.
- Tax freezes: Your property tax amount is frozen and doesn’t increase.
- Deferrals: Property taxes are postponed until the home is sold or the owner passes away.
States With No Property Tax for Seniors (Under Certain Conditions)
Here’s a quick look at states that offer zero property tax for seniors who meet strict eligibility criteria, such as income or disability status:
| State | Tax Relief Type | Max Age Requirement | Income Limit (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Full Exemption (up to $150K home value) | 65+ | No income limit | Local municipalities may extend more |
| Florida | Additional Homestead Exemption | 65+ | <$35,167 (county-specific) | Some counties offer full exemption |
| Georgia | Floating Homestead Exemption | 62+ | Varies by county | Fulton County offers full freeze |
| South Dakota | Property Tax Freeze | 65+ or Disabled | <$35,360 (single) | Must have lived in SD for 1 year |
| New Hampshire | Low-Income Exemption | 65+ | <$40,000 | Requires asset test |
| Mississippi | First $7,500 exempt | 65+ | No income limit | Statewide program |
| Texas | Tax Freeze on School Taxes | 65+ | No income limit | Amount frozen after age 65 |
States Offering Major Property Tax Breaks for Seniors
While these states may not fully eliminate property tax, they provide huge breaks for seniors that can lead to thousands in savings per year.
| State | Type of Relief | Typical Savings (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Senior Property Tax Exemption | Up to $1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program | Up to $650 or more |
| Arizona | Senior Property Valuation Freeze | Varies by county |
| New York | Enhanced STAR Credit | Up to $1,500 |
| Illinois | Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption | Up to $8,000 reduction |
Who Qualifies? Senior Property Tax Relief Eligibility?
Eligibility requirements differ by state, but common factors include:
- Minimum age: Usually 62 to 65+
- Income limits: Ranges from $25,000–$60,000 depending on the state
- Primary residence: The home must be your main residence
- Ownership duration: Often must own the home for 3–10 years
- Disability status: May increase benefits
Example:
In Florida, to qualify for the senior exemption, you must:
- Be 65 or older
- Own your primary residence
- Have a household income under $35,167 (as of 2025, adjusted annually)
Learn More: Colonoscopy and Medicare
Top 10 States With Best Property Tax Relief for Seniors (2025)
Here’s our ranking based on tax savings, eligibility ease, and living costs:
- Alaska – $150,000 exemption statewide
- Florida – County-based full exemption + low taxes
- South Dakota – Reliable freeze program
- Georgia – Progressive freeze and homestead relief
- Texas – Tax freeze plus no income tax
- Colorado – $1,000 off assessed value
- Wyoming – Low property tax and senior credits
- Pennsylvania – Rebates and local programs
- New York – Enhanced STAR for seniors
- Mississippi – First $7,500 exempt from tax
Property Tax Relief for Seniors by State (2025)
| State | Exemption Type | Age / Income Requirement | Estimated Annual Savings | Official Application Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Homestead Exemption | 65+ / Low-income for full | $300–$800 | revenue.alabama.gov |
| Alaska | Full Exemption (up to $150,000 home value) | 65+ / No income limit | $1,500–$3,000 | tax.alaska.gov |
| Arizona | Property Valuation Freeze | 65+ / Income ≤ $44,264 (married) | $500–$1,200 | azdor.gov |
| Arkansas | Freeze on Assessed Value | 65+ or Disabled / No income test | $250–$500 | ark.org |
| California | Prop 19 Transfer/Exemption | 55+ / Varies | $1,000+ | boe.ca.gov |
| Colorado | 50% Exemption on First $200,000 | 65+ / Must live 10 years in home | Up to $1,000 | cdola.colorado.gov |
| Connecticut | Circuit Breaker Program | 65+ / Income-based | $500–$1,250 | portal.ct.gov/OPM |
| Delaware | School Property Tax Credit | 65+ / Resident 3+ years | Up to $500 | revenue.delaware.gov |
| Florida | Senior Exemption (County-specific) | 65+ / Income < $35,167 (2025) | Up to 100% | floridarevenue.com |
| Georgia | Floating Homestead/School Tax Freeze | 62+ / Income varies by county | $500–$1,000 | dor.georgia.gov |
| Hawaii | Exemptions & Tax Caps | 65+ / Varies by island | $1,000–$2,000 | hawaiicounty.gov |
| Idaho | Property Tax Reduction Program | 65+ / Income < $36,000 | Up to $1,500 | tax.idaho.gov |
| Illinois | Senior Homestead Exemption | 65+ / No income test | Up to $8,000 reduction | illinois.gov/rev |
| Indiana | Deduction for Over 65 | 65+ / Income < $40,000 (single) | $300–$800 | in.gov/dlgf |
| Iowa | Credit and Exemption | 65+ / Income < $27,000 | $250–$800 | tax.iowa.gov |
| Kansas | SAFESR Program | 65+ / Income < $22,000 | Up to $700 | ksrevenue.gov |
| Kentucky | Homestead Exemption | 65+ / No income test | ~$40,500 in home value | revenue.ky.gov |
| Louisiana | Freeze on Assessed Value | 65+ / Income ≤ $100,000 (married) | Varies | latax.state.la.us |
| Maine | Tax Deferral & Stabilization | 65+ / Income & asset limits | $500–$1,000 | maine.gov/revenue |
| Maryland | County-Based Tax Credits | 65+ / Income varies | Varies by program | marylandtaxes.gov |
| Massachusetts | Clause 41C Exemption | 70+ / Income & asset tested | Up to $1,000 | mass.gov |
| Michigan | Homestead Tax Credit | 65+ / Income-tested | Up to $1,500+ | michigan.gov/treasury |
| Minnesota | Property Tax Refund | 65+ / Income-tested | Up to $2,500 | revenue.state.mn.us |
| Mississippi | First $7,500 of Home Value Exempt | 65+ / No income requirement | $600–$1,000 | dor.ms.gov |
| Missouri | Circuit Breaker Credit | 65+ / Income < $30,000 (single) | Up to $750 | dor.mo.gov |
| Montana | Elderly Homeowner Tax Credit | 62+ / Income-tested | Up to $1,000 | mtrevenue.gov |
| Nebraska | Homestead Exemption | 65+ / Income-tested | Partial or full exemption | revenue.nebraska.gov |
| Nevada | Property Tax Rebate | 62+ / Income limits | Up to $500 | tax.nv.gov |
| New Hampshire | Low-Income Senior Exemption | 65+ / Income < $40,000 | $1,000–$2,000 | revenue.nh.gov |
| New Jersey | Property Tax Freeze | 65+ / Income-tested | Covers increase only | state.nj.us/treasury |
| New Mexico | Low-Income Exemption | 65+ / Income-tested | $250–$500 | tax.newmexico.gov |
| New York | Enhanced STAR Exemption | 65+ / Income < $98,700 | Up to $1,500+ | tax.ny.gov |
| North Carolina | Homestead Exclusion | 65+ / Income-tested | 50% of home value | ncdor.gov |
| North Dakota | Homestead Credit Program | 65+ / Income-tested | $400–$800 | tax.nd.gov |
| Ohio | Homestead Exemption | 65+ / Income < $38,600 | $500–$800 | tax.ohio.gov |
| Oklahoma | Freeze on Property Tax Value | 65+ / Income-tested | Freezes taxes | oklahoma.gov/tax.html |
| Oregon | Tax Deferral Program | 62+ / Income-tested | Deferred until sale | oregon.gov/dor |
| Pennsylvania | Property Tax/Rent Rebate | 65+ / Income-tested | Up to $1,000 | revenue.pa.gov |
| Rhode Island | Local Exemptions | 65+ / Varies | $500–$1,000 | tax.ri.gov |
| South Carolina | Homestead Exemption | 65+ / Resident 1 year | $50,000 off home value | dor.sc.gov |
| South Dakota | Tax Freeze / Reduction | 65+ / Income-tested | Freezes increases | dor.sd.gov |
| Tennessee | Property Tax Relief | 65+ / Income-tested | $200–$500 | tn.gov/revenue |
| Texas | School Tax Freeze at 65 | 65+ / No income test | Freezes school taxes | comptroller.texas.gov |
| Utah | Circuit Breaker / Abatement | 66+ / Income-tested | Up to $1,115 | tax.utah.gov |
| Vermont | Property Tax Credit | 65+ / Income-tested | Up to $8,000 | tax.vermont.gov |
| Virginia | Local Exemption (County-based) | 65+ / Income-tested | $500–$2,000+ | tax.virginia.gov |
| Washington | Property Tax Exemption | 61+ / Income < $64,000 | Exempts local/school taxes | dor.wa.gov |
| West Virginia | Homestead Exemption | 65+ / No income requirement | $20,000 off home value | tax.wv.gov |
| Wisconsin | Property Tax Credit for Seniors | 65+ / Income-tested | $250–$1,000 | revenue.wi.gov |
| Wyoming | Property Tax Refund | 65+ / Income-tested | $500–$1,000 | revenue.wyo.gov |
How to Apply for Senior Property Tax Relief?
Most applications are handled at the county level. Here’s how to get started:
General Steps:
- Contact your County Tax Assessor’s Office
- Request the Senior Property Tax Exemption Form
- Submit proof of:
- Age (Driver’s License or ID)
- Income (Tax Return or Social Security Statement)
- Residence (Utility bill or deed)
- Wait for approval (1–3 months typically)
Should You Relocate to a State With No Property Tax?
Maybe, but hold your horses… While tax savings are important, there are other big factors to consider:
- Access to healthcare
- Weather and climate
- Transportation and amenities
- Cost of living
- Proximity to family
For example, Alaska offers great tax benefits, but many seniors struggle with the cold and isolation. Florida, on the other hand, offers sunshine and tax perks—but has higher insurance rates.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it—retirement can be stressful if your home costs keep rising. But the good news? There are at least 20 states offering generous property tax relief for seniors in 2025. Whether you’re looking to relocate or maximize savings in your current state, it pays to research your options and act fast.
Start by calling your county tax office today. Even a 20-minute call can save you thousands.
FAQs
Which U.S. state is best for retirees with low income?
Florida and South Dakota offer some of the best property tax relief combined with no state income tax.
Can seniors be fully exempt from paying property taxes?
Yes, in states like Alaska, Mississippi, and certain counties in Florida, seniors can qualify for 100% exemption.
Do property tax exemptions expire?
Yes, usually every 1–3 years. Seniors must reapply or verify eligibility.
