13 States That Offer Property Tax Exemptions for Retirees

With age comes certain privileges, including lower property tax bills.

More than one-quarter of states offer some type of property tax exemption to those who are 65 or older.

A property tax exemption is a specific type of property tax break that reduces the assessed value of your home, which in turn typically lowers your property taxes.

Here’s a look at some states that offer property tax exemptions to older residents.

Just keep in mind that these are homestead exemptions, meaning they typically are available only for your primary home.

They aren’t necessarily automatic, either: Eligible homeowners typically must apply for exemptions, in some cases annually.

To learn more about exemptions that are or might be available to you, check with your county government.

Texas

There are no state property taxes in Texas, meaning all the property taxes that Texans pay go to local taxing authorities, with none going to the state government. But the state requires one type of local taxing authority, school districts, to give a $60,000 residence homestead exemption to people who are 65 or older.

Additionally, widows or widowers who are 55 or older may be eligible for this exemption if their deceased spouse was at least 65.

If you’re considering spending your golden years in the Lone Star State, check out “12 of the Best Places to Retire in Texas.”

Ohio

In Ohio, homeowners who are 65 or older qualify for a homestead exemption if their income meets requirements. As of 2024, their total household income must not exceed $38,600, and this threshold is adjusted each year for inflation.

Seniors who enrolled in this exemption prior to the 2014 tax year are eligible even if they do not meet income requirements.

The exemption reduces a home’s taxable value by $26,200.

Georgia

Georgia residents who are aged 62 or older and have a household income of $10,000 or less are eligible for a homestead exemption that applies to property taxes that go to schools.

Additionally, those aged 65 or older with a household income of $10,000 or less can claim an exemption from property taxes that go to county governments. This exemption is for up to $4,000 of the assessed value of a homestead.

Colorado

Residents aged 65 and older, as well as the surviving spouses of seniors, are eligible for Colorado’s senior property tax exemption. According to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs:

“The state reimburses the local governments for the loss in revenue. When the State of Colorado’s budget allows, 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value of the qualified applicant’s primary residence is exempted.”

South Carolina

In South Carolina, homeowners who are 65 or older can receive a homestead exemption for $50,000 of the fair market value of their legal residence.

Alabama

Alabama residents who are 65 or older are eligible for a state homestead exemption with no maximum amount in terms of an assessed value limitation. However, the land area is limited to 160 acres.

Kentucky

Kentucky homeowners who are 65 or older may qualify for a homestead exemption. In 2026, the exemption is for $49,100 of the assessed value of a home.

That amount is recalculated every two years, though, to account for inflation.

Iowa

Iowa state law has a homestead exemption for residents aged 65 and older. For 2026, it’s for $6,500 of the taxable value of a home.

Mississippi

Mississippi offers an additional homestead exemption to residents aged 65 or older. It’s for up to $7,500 of a home’s assessed value.

In the case of married couples, only one person must be 65 or older for the couple to receive this exemption in full, provided they own the property jointly. So, if a 70-year-old has a 60-year-old spouse, for example, they could receive the full exemption, assuming they are otherwise eligible.

Nebraska

Nebraska offers a homestead exemption for residents age 65 or older if their qualifying household income is under a certain amount. For 2026, that amount is $54,301 for single people and $64,501 for married couples (based on 2025 income).

The value of the exemption varies depending on exact income.

Alaska

Of the 19 boroughs in Alaska, 15 levy a property tax. In addition, nine cities located outside boroughs levy a property tax.

For residents aged 65 or older, the state exempts the first $150,000 of the assessed value of a permanent home from property taxes.

This exemption also is available to widows and widowers who are 60 or older if their deceased spouse was eligible for the exemption for those who are age 65 and older.

If you’re tempted to move to the Last Frontier, check out “5 of the Best Places To Retire in Alaska — and Why You Should Consider the State.”

3 states with local-option exemptions for retirees

All of the property tax exemptions mentioned thus far are required by state governments. But some states give local governments the option to offer their own exemptions.

So, regardless of whether your state offers an exemption for older residents, it’s worth checking with your county to see if it offers one.

Here are a few examples of states that have authorized local governments to offer property tax exemptions to older residents if they wish to do so:

• Alaska: In addition to offering a property tax exemption to all residents aged 65 or older, Alaska’s state government gives local taxing authorities like boroughs the option to offer exemptions.
• Florida: Counties in the Sunshine State have the option to offer a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 to residents who are aged 65 and older and have an income under a certain amount.
• New York: Local governments in the Empire State generally have the option to offer an exemption to residents who are 65 or older and meet income requirements. This exemption can be worth up to 50% of a home’s assessed value.