2026 property tax exemptions: All 50 states ranked

2026 property tax exemptions: All 50 states ranked

Property tax exemptions are a vital way for homeowners to reduce their annual tax burdens. By lowering the taxable or assessed value of a primary residence, homestead exemptions can save taxpayers significantly. 

However, these relief programs vary wildly across the United States. Some states provide robust percentage-based exclusions, while others cap annual assessment increases or offer no statewide program, instead relying on targeted relief for seniors or veterans.

Ownwell compiled data for this state-by-state analysis from state revenue departments, the Tax Foundation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and AARP. The programs analyzed cover general homestead exemptions and prominent relief programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, including property tax circuit breaker programs, updated for the 2026 tax year. 

The states (along with Washington, D.C.) are ranked below by the general generosity and structural impact of their primary property tax exemptions, ordered from most universally impactful to those with no general program.

Key Takeaways

• Texas and Utah offer some of the most significant percentage-based and fixed-dollar homestead exemptions in the country, effectively removing large portions of a home's market value from taxation.
• Recent legislative reforms in states like Montana and North Dakota have overhauled property classifications and added billions in statewide relief for the 2025 and 2026 tax years.
• Florida and Maryland utilize annual assessment caps to protect homeowners from market appreciation shocks, strictly limiting year-over-year tax increases.
• Six states—Arizona, Delaware, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, and Wyoming—currently offer no general statewide homestead property tax exemption, requiring homeowners to seek local or demographic-specific relief.

1. Texas

• General Homestead Exemption: Residence Homestead Exemption, $140,000 off appraised value (AV) for school districts, 2026. Automatic for all primary residences.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Additional $10,000 minimum exemption for ages 65-plus and local school tax ceiling (freeze) preventing future increases.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% permanent and total disabled veterans (P&T) receive a full primary residence exemption. Sliding scale partial exemptions exist for lower ratings.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

2. Utah

• General Homestead Exemption: Primary Residential Exemption (45% of fair market value excluded). All primary homeowners must file a Homestead Declaration by April 15.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: No broad freeze; local targeted relief programs are available.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veteran Exemption available for active duty and disabled veterans based on disability rating.
• Circuit Breaker: Circuit breaker property tax relief available based on income calibration.

3. Idaho

• General Homestead Exemption: Homeowner's Exemption (50% of assessed value, up to $125,000). Applies to the home plus up to one acre.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: The Property Tax Reduction Program (Circuit Breaker) serves as the primary senior relief.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% service-connected disabled veterans may receive substantial property tax reductions.
• Circuit Breaker: Income-based Property Tax Reduction program.

4. Indiana

• General Homestead Exemption: Residential Homestead Deduction (60% of assessed value, capped at $45,000).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Over 65 Deduction and Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit available for qualifying incomes.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Deductions available for disabled veterans, varying by service period and disability severity.
• Circuit Breaker: Over 65 Circuit Breaker prevents property taxes from increasing beyond 2% of assessed value (AV) for seniors.

5. Florida

• General Homestead Exemption: Up to $51,411 off assessed value (2026). Triggers the Save Our Homes 3% annual assessment cap.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Additional Senior Homestead Exemption available locally for age 65-plus with limited income.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Full exemption for veterans with a 100% P&T VA disability rating.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide (Save Our Homes cap functions as primary limitation).

6. Hawaii

• General Homestead Exemption: Owner-Occupant Exemption (Varies by county; Honolulu offers $120,000 off assessed value).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Higher exemption amounts available for seniors (e.g., $140,000 for age 65-plus in Honolulu).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Full exemptions available in most counties for totally disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: Administered at the county level (e.g., Honolulu's real property tax credit for low-income).

7. Louisiana

• General Homestead Exemption: First $7,500 of assessed value exempt (applies to parish taxes, not school).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Special Assessment Level (freeze) available for homeowners 65-plus meeting income limits.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Additional exemptions based on disability rating, up to 100% exemption for 100% P&T.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

8. Kentucky

• General Homestead Exemption: Target program rather than general; limits on regular assessment increases.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Homestead Exemption ($46,350 off assessed value for 2025-2026) for homeowners age 65-plus.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Homestead Exemption amount ($46,350) is also available for totally disabled homeowners.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

9. South Carolina

• General Homestead Exemption: Age/disability-targeted rather than universal.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: $50,000 off fair market value for homeowners age 65-plus.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: $50,000 off fair market value for legally blind or totally/permanently disabled. Full exemption for 100% P&T veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

10. New York

• General Homestead Exemption: STAR Program (Basic STAR: approximately $30,000 off the school district assessed value).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Enhanced STAR program for age 65-plus (income limit: ≤$98,700 in 2026).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Alternative Veterans' Exemption, Cold War Veterans' Exemption, and Eligible Funds Exemption.
• Circuit Breaker: Real Property Tax Credit for eligible taxpayers.

11. Tennessee

• General Homestead Exemption: Targeted relief limits.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Property Tax Freeze Program (local option) and Property Tax Relief Program (up to $25,000 off AV) for low-income elderly.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Up to $140,000 off AV for disabled veterans/surviving spouses.
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Relief acts as the primary income-based relief.

12. Maine

• General Homestead Exemption: $25,000 off just (market) value. Apply by April 1.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: State Property Tax Deferral (see deferrals by state, below) and targeted municipal relief.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: $6,000 exemption for veterans serving during a recognized war period and age 62-plus or 100% disabled.
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Fairness Credit (Refundable Credit up to $1,500; higher for 70-plus; income ≤$52k single).

13. Ohio

• General Homestead Exemption: $25,000 off assessed value for owner-occupied primary residences.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Additional senior valuation freeze available locally.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: $50,000 exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

14. North Carolina

• General Homestead Exemption: No universal base program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Elderly/Disabled Exclusion ($25,000 or 50% of appraised value, whichever is greater) for age 65-plus with income ≤$42,000.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veteran Property Tax Homestead Exclusion (up to $45,000) for 100% P&T veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program (taxes capped at a percentage of income; deferral rather than exemption).

15. West Virginia

• General Homestead Exemption: Base homeowner discounts exist via property classifications.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: $20,000 off assessed value for age 65-plus.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: $20,000 off assessed value for permanently and totally disabled individuals.
• Circuit Breaker: Senior Citizen Property Tax Ticket Credit (refundable state income tax credit).

16. Illinois

• General Homestead Exemption: Homeowner Exemption (Up to $10,000 off Equalized Assessed Value).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption and Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption ($8,000 AV reduction).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (up to full exemption for 70%-plus disability).
• Circuit Breaker: Administered locally/replaced by assessment freezes.

17. Minnesota

• General Homestead Exemption: Homestead Market Value Exclusion (40% of the first $95,000 of AV excluded).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens (see deferrals by state, below).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veterans' Homestead Market Value Exclusion (up to $300,000 excluded).
• Circuit Breaker: Homestead Credit Refund (for homeowners whose property taxes exceed a percentage of income).

18. Maryland

• General Homestead Exemption: Homestead Tax Credit (caps annual assessment increase at 10% per year).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Local county tax credits for elderly individuals (age 65-plus).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Full exemption for veterans with a 100% P&T VA disability rating.
• Circuit Breaker: Homeowners' Property Tax Credit (Credit/Reduction for taxes exceeding 25% of net income).

19. Michigan

• General Homestead Exemption: Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) (Exempt from 18-mill school operating levy).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Local Senior Programs available.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% exemption for totally and permanently disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: Homestead Property Tax Credit (refundable credit on state income tax return).

20. North Dakota

• General Homestead Exemption: New 2026 reform adds $2 billion in statewide relief; owner-occupancy credit rising significantly.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Homestead Property Tax Credit ($9,000 off true and full value) for age 65-plus.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit (up to $8,100 of taxable value).
• Circuit Breaker: Calibrated into the Homestead Property Tax Credit income limits.

21. Colorado

• General Homestead Exemption: Local mill levy adjustments.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Homestead Exemption (50% off the first $200,000 of actual value for age 65-plus).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption (same 50% off $200k framework) for 100% P&T veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: PTC Rebate (Property Tax, Rent, Heat Rebate) for low-income seniors and disabled individuals.

22. California

• General Homestead Exemption: Homeowners' Exemption ($7,000 off assessed value).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Prop 19 allows seniors (55-plus) to transfer their tax base.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veterans' Exemption ($169,733 or $254,600 for low-income in 2026).
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide (Prop 13 limits base taxes).

23. Alabama

• General Homestead Exemption: $4,000 off assessed value.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Homestead Exemption (up to full county exemption for 65-plus with income ≤$12,000).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Full exemption for totally disabled persons and 100% P&T veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

24. Georgia

• General Homestead Exemption: Basic Homestead Exemption ($2,000 off assessed value statewide).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior School Tax Exemption (often a full exemption from school taxes for 62-plus).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (varies, up to $100,000-plus off AV).
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

25. New Mexico

• General Homestead Exemption: Head of Family Exemption ($2,000 off assessed value).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Value freeze available for low-income homeowners age 65-plus or disabled.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% disabled veteran exemption (full exemption of primary residence).
• Circuit Breaker: Low-Income Comprehensive Tax Rebate.

26. Nevada

• General Homestead Exemption: None statewide (local standard of $1,000 off assessed value).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Individual cities/towns offer senior exemptions.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veteran Exemption (sliding scale based on disability percentage).
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

27. Oklahoma

• General Homestead Exemption: $1,000 off assessed value.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Valuation Limitation (freeze) for age 65-plus meeting income requirements.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% full exemption for 100% disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Relief Credit.

28. Iowa

• General Homestead Exemption: Homestead Tax Credit (up to $4,850 credit).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Additional $6,500 exemption for age 65-plus.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veteran Tax Credit (full credit for 100% service-connected disabled veterans).
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

29. Arkansas

• General Homestead Exemption: Homestead Property Tax Credit (up to $600 annual credit).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Homestead Assessed Value Freeze for age 65-plus.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

30. Mississippi

• General Homestead Exemption: $300 annual tax credit.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Homestead Additional Exemption ($7,500 off AV for 65-plus).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Full exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

31. Montana

• General Homestead Exemption: 2025 Residential Property Classification (Primary residences taxed at 1.35% rate vs. 1.9%).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief Program (reduced rates).
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP).

32. Nebraska

• General Homestead Exemption: Designed primarily as an income/age-calibrated program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Homestead Exemption (Senior) (50%-100% of assessed value based on income).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Full or partial exemptions for disabled veterans based on rating and income.
• Circuit Breaker: Functionally built into the Homestead program.

33. Washington

• General Homestead Exemption: None statewide, but the ones below can be found here
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption Program (freezes AV and exempts excess levies based on income).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Included in the disabled persons exemption program; 100% disabled veterans qualify for full reduction.
• Circuit Breaker: None distinct from the senior/disabled exemption program.

34. Vermont

• General Homestead Exemption: Homestead Declaration establishes baseline classification.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Built into the statewide adjustment system.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Exemption of $10,000 to $40,000 of appraised value for disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Credit (income-based adjustment).

35. South Dakota

• General Homestead Exemption: Owner-Occupant standard baseline.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans (up to $150,000 AV).
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Refund Program (income-based).

36. New Jersey

• General Homestead Exemption: Replaced by direct-payment programs.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) program limits increases.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% disabled veterans receive a full property tax exemption; basic veteran deduction of $250.
• Circuit Breaker: ANCHOR Program provides direct relief checks based on income and residency.

37. Wisconsin

• General Homestead Exemption: Lottery and Gaming Credit provides a baseline reduction.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Handled via the Homestead Credit.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit.
• Circuit Breaker: Homestead Credit (up to $1,460 for qualifying low-income individuals).

38. Alaska

• General Homestead Exemption: Borough Exemptions vary locally.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Citizen Exemption (Mandatory state exemption of first $150,000 of AV for 65-plus).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: First $150,000 of AV exempt for disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

39. Connecticut

• General Homestead Exemption: No general program; municipal programs vary.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Elderly/Disabled Homeowner Program (Circuit Breaker credit applied to tax bill).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veterans' Exemption (varies based on rating and municipal adoption).
• Circuit Breaker: State-administered Elderly/Disabled program functions as a circuit breaker.

40. Massachusetts

• General Homestead Exemption: No meaningful general statewide program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Clause 22 exemptions offer $400 to full exemptions depending on disability severity.
• Circuit Breaker: Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit (refundable income tax credit).

41. New Hampshire

• General Homestead Exemption: Municipal option ($15,000-$65,000-plus off AV in participating towns).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Elderly Exemption (local option with minimum statutory requirements).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veteran Tax Credit (up to a full exemption for specially adapted housing).
• Circuit Breaker: Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief.

42. Pennsylvania

• General Homestead Exemption: Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion (Act 1, approximately 50% of the county median assessed value).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Handled through the property tax/rent rebate program.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% disabled veterans with financial need receive a full exemption.
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (for seniors and disabled residents).

43. Rhode Island

• General Homestead Exemption: Municipal Homestead Programs (varies by city/town).
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Local options (flat exemptions or tax freezes).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Specially Adapted Housing Exemption (up to full exemption locally).
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Relief Credit.

44. Virginia

• General Homestead Exemption: No statewide general program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Elderly/Disabled Relief (Local Option, up to 100% relief).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% P&T disabled veterans receive a full state-mandated exemption.
• Circuit Breaker: Local deferral/exemption programs function as income relief.

45. Arizona

• General Homestead Exemption: No general statewide program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Property Valuation Protection (Freeze) for age 65-plus.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Exemptions exist for widows/widowers and persons with total disabilities.
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Refund Credit (Tax Credit up to $502 for income ≤$3,751).

46. Delaware

• General Homestead Exemption: No statewide general program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Property Tax Relief (Credit up to $500 applied to school taxes).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veteran School Tax Credit (100% credit on school taxes for 100% disabled).
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

47. Kansas

• General Homestead Exemption: No general program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: SAFESR (Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Incorporated into the Homestead Refund program for disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: Homestead Refund (income/age-based credit up to $700).

48. Missouri

• General Homestead Exemption: No statewide general program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim (Circuit Breaker).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: 100% exemption for former POWs or 100% disabled veterans.
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Credit Claim (maximum $1,100 credit for eligible seniors/disabled).

49. Oregon

• General Homestead Exemption: No general statewide program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Property Tax Deferral (see deferrals).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled Veteran Exemption (varies based on rating and service).
• Circuit Breaker: None statewide.

50. Wyoming

• General Homestead Exemption: No general statewide program.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Property Tax Refund Program targets low-income demographics.
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Veteran Property Tax Exemption ($3,000 off assessed value).
• Circuit Breaker: Property Tax Refund Program (income-based refund up to 75% of tax liability).

51. Washington, D.C.

• General Homestead Exemption: $91,950 off the assessed value for the 2026 tax year, equating to $781.58 tax bill savings.
• Senior Exemption and Freeze: Senior Citizen Tax Relief (50% reduction in property taxes for 65-plus with qualifying income).
• Veteran and Disability Exemption: Disabled property owner relief mirrors the senior citizen 50% reduction.
• Circuit Breaker: Schedule H Homeowner and Renter Property Tax Credit.

Property Tax Deferrals by State

Unlike exemptions or circuit breakers that reduce or forgive taxes, deferral programs let eligible homeowners (usually seniors or individuals with disabilities) postpone paying property taxes. 

The state or local government pays the local tax district on the homeowner's behalf and records a lien against the property. The deferred taxes, plus interest, must be repaid when the home is sold, transferred, or the owner passes away.

• California: Property Tax Postponement (PTP). Age 62-plus, blind, or disabled; income ≤$55,181; equity ≥40% of home value—7% simple interest. The state pays full tax annually; the lien is recorded and repaid upon sale or transfer.
• Colorado: Senior and Active Military Deferral. For age 65-plus or active military. Taxes are deferred and accrue interest, payable upon sale or estate settlement.
• Illinois: Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program. Allows age 65-plus to defer up to $7,500 per year with 6% interest.
• Maine: State Property Tax Deferral Program. Pays the property tax bills of eligible age 65-plus or disabled individuals.
• Minnesota: Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral. Limits property taxes to 3% of income for age 65-plus; the state pays the rest as a deferred loan.
• Oregon: Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral. Defers tax payments with 6% interest, paid by the Department of Revenue until a disqualifying event.
• Texas: Tax Deferral for Seniors or Disabled. Allows homeowners age 65-plus or with disabilities to halt tax collection and lawsuits. Taxes accrue at 5% interest and are due 180 days after the owner no longer occupies the home.
• Washington: Property Tax Deferral Program. Defers taxes and special assessments up to 80% of equity for age 60-plus or disabled homeowners.

Methodology

As noted within the article, Ownwell compiled data for this state-by-state analysis from state revenue departments, the Tax Foundation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and AARP. The programs analyzed cover general homestead exemptions and prominent relief programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, including property tax circuit breaker programs, updated for the 2026 tax year. 

The states and Washington, D.C., were ranked by the general generosity and structural impact of their primary property tax exemptions, ordered from most universally impactful to those with no general program.

Ownwell determined general generosity by the magnitude of available exemptions and the breadth of homeowner eligibility, while structural impact was measured by the extent to which these programs effectively mitigate market appreciation and provide long-term predictability to property tax bills.

This story was produced by Ownwell and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.