Rob Hartley
Founder, AppealDesk · March 5, 2026
Every Property Tax Exemption by State: Senior, Veteran, Homestead & Disability (2026)
Updated March 2026 · 16 min read
Every US state offers property tax exemptions that can reduce your bill by $500-$5,000+ per year. The most common are homestead exemptions (available in 45+ states), senior exemptions (65+ in most states), veteran/disabled veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Most homeowners qualify for at least one exemption they haven’t claimed.
Exemption Types Explained
Homestead Exemption
Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. Available in 45+ states. Amounts range from $7,000 in California to $100,000+ for Texas school district taxes. This is the most widely available exemption and the one most homeowners miss.
Senior Exemption (Over 65)
Additional reduction for age-qualifying homeowners. Often includes income limits. Some states freeze your assessed value at age 65, meaning your taxes never increase even if the market rises. Texas, Illinois, and Ohio have particularly valuable senior exemptions.
Veteran / Disabled Veteran
Ranges from a partial reduction to full tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans in many states. All 50 states offer some form of veteran property tax benefit. Texas, Florida, and Illinois provide full exemptions for totally disabled veterans.
Disability Exemption
Similar to senior exemptions, available to permanently disabled homeowners regardless of age. Typically requires documentation of permanent disability from a physician or Social Security Administration.
Other Exemptions
Agricultural (farmland use), religious and charitable organization exemptions, historic preservation, and conservation easement programs. These are less common for typical homeowners but can provide significant savings for qualifying properties.
Property Tax Exemptions by State: Complete 2026 Table
This table summarizes the major exemption categories for all 50 states. For detailed dollar amounts and eligibility for the highest-value states, see the expanded sections below.
| State | Homestead | Senior (65+) | Veteran | Income Limit? | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Alaska | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Arizona | None (primary residence) | Valuation freeze | $3,000-$100% | Yes ($42,055) | Appeal guide |
| Arkansas | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| California | $7,000 | None (Prop 13 cap) | $4,000-$100% | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Colorado | Senior: 50% of first $200K | 50% of first $200K | $200,000 (disabled) | No (age 65+) | Appeal guide |
| Connecticut | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Delaware | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| District of Columbia | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Florida | $50,000 | $50,000 additional | Up to 100% (disabled) | Yes ($36,614) | Appeal guide |
| Georgia | $2,000 (state) | $10,000-$50,000 | Up to 100% (disabled) | Yes (varies) | Appeal guide |
| Hawaii | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Idaho | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Illinois | $10,000 (Cook), $6,000 (other) | $8,000 | Up to 100% (disabled) | Yes ($65,000) | Appeal guide |
| Indiana | 60% up to $45,000 | Over 65 deduction | $24,960 (disabled) | Yes ($30,000) | Appeal guide |
| Iowa | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Kansas | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Kentucky | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Louisiana | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Maine | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Maryland | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Massachusetts | $125,000 equity protection | $1,000-$2,000 | $2,000-$400 | Yes (varies) | Appeal guide |
| Michigan | 18 mill reduction | Prop A cap (5%/yr) | 100% (disabled) | No | Appeal guide |
| Minnesota | Market value exclusion | Property tax refund | Up to 100% (disabled) | Yes (varies) | Appeal guide |
| Mississippi | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Missouri | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Montana | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Nebraska | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Nevada | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| New Hampshire | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| New Jersey | $250 credit | $250 additional | $6,000 deduction | Yes ($150,000) | Appeal guide |
| New Mexico | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| New York | Varies by locality | 50% (Enhanced STAR) | 10-50% reduction | Yes ($98,700 STAR) | Grievance guide |
| North Carolina | None | $25,000 or 50% | $45,000 (disabled) | Yes ($33,800) | Appeal guide |
| North Dakota | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Ohio | $26,200 (65+/disabled) | Included in homestead | $50,000 (disabled) | Yes ($36,100) | Appeal guide |
| Oklahoma | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Oregon | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Pennsylvania | Varies by school district | Property Tax Rebate | 100% (disabled) | Yes ($45,000) | Appeal guide |
| Rhode Island | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| South Carolina | $50,000 (school taxes) | Included in homestead | 100% (disabled) | No (age 65+) | Appeal guide |
| South Dakota | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Tennessee | None | Tax freeze (65+) | 100% (disabled) | Yes ($47,030) | Appeal guide |
| Texas | $100,000 (school) | $10,000 additional | Up to 100% (disabled) | No | Protest guide |
| Utah | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Vermont | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Virginia | Varies by locality | Tax relief programs | 100% (disabled) | Yes (varies) | Appeal guide |
| Washington | None | Freeze/exemption | Up to 100% (disabled) | Yes ($58,423) | Appeal guide |
| West Virginia | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Wisconsin | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
| Wyoming | Varies | Varies | Disabled vet benefits | Varies | Appeal guide |
Sources: State statutes, county assessor websites, Tax Foundation. Amounts shown are maximum exemption values. Actual benefit depends on your county’s tax rate and implementation. States without specific data shown as “Varies” — contact your county assessor.
Detailed Exemptions for High-Value States
The following states have the most valuable or complex exemption programs. Click to expand details including specific dollar amounts, eligibility, and application deadlines.
Texas Exemptions
General Homestead
Over-65
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Texas protest guide.
Florida Exemptions
Homestead
Senior (Additional)
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Florida appeal guide.
California Exemptions
Homeowners' Exemption
Prop 13 Cap
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our California appeal guide.
Illinois Exemptions
General Homestead
Senior Citizen
Senior Freeze
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Illinois appeal guide.
New York Exemptions
STAR (Basic)
Enhanced STAR
Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our New York grievance guide.
New Jersey Exemptions
Homestead Benefit
Senior Freeze
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our New Jersey appeal guide.
Pennsylvania Exemptions
Homestead Exclusion
Property Tax Rebate
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Pennsylvania appeal guide.
Georgia Exemptions
Standard Homestead
Senior (School Tax)
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Georgia appeal guide.
Ohio Exemptions
Homestead (65+/Disabled)
Disabled Veteran
Owner Occupancy Credit
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Ohio appeal guide.
Michigan Exemptions
Principal Residence
Prop A Cap
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Michigan appeal guide.
Arizona Exemptions
Primary Residence
Senior Valuation Freeze
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Arizona appeal guide.
Colorado Exemptions
Senior Homestead
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Colorado appeal guide.
Washington Exemptions
Senior/Disabled
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Washington appeal guide.
Tennessee Exemptions
Tax Relief (Senior)
Disabled Veteran
For county-specific details and filing instructions, see our Tennessee appeal guide.
Exemptions Most Homeowners Miss
Homestead exemption is not automatic in most states
You must apply. In Texas alone, an estimated 15% of eligible homeowners have not filed for their homestead exemption — leaving an average of $1,500/year on the table.
Senior exemption income limits are higher than you think
Many seniors assume they earn too much to qualify. But income limits range from $33,800 (North Carolina) to $150,000 (New Jersey). Social Security income is excluded in many states.
Disabled veteran exemptions often provide FULL tax exemption
At a 100% VA disability rating, many states provide a complete property tax exemption. This can save $3,000-$10,000+ per year depending on your property value and location.
Surviving spouse exemptions are often overlooked
Many states extend veteran and senior exemptions to surviving spouses. If your spouse qualified for an exemption before passing, you may still be eligible.
Some states allow stacking
In Texas, you can combine homestead ($100K) + over-65 ($10K) + disabled veteran exemptions. In Illinois, you can stack general homestead + senior citizen + senior freeze. The combined savings can be substantial.
How Exemptions Interact with Appeals
Exemptions and appeals are two different tools that work together:
- Exemptions reduce your taxable value (the portion of your assessment that is subject to tax)
- Appeals reduce your assessed value (what the county says your home is worth)
- They stack — and the savings compound
Example: How Savings Stack
Assessed value: $300,000
Homestead exemption: -$50,000
Taxable value: $250,000
After appeal reduces assessment to $270,000:
New taxable value: $270,000 - $50,000 = $220,000
Total reduction: $250,000 - $220,000 = $30,000 less taxable value
AppealDesk’s Homeowner Savings Guide, included with every order, analyzes your exemption eligibility and identifies exemptions you may be missing. It is the only property tax appeal service that proactively checks for unclaimed exemptions as part of the evidence packet. For a deeper dive into the existing senior exemption landscape, see our senior property tax exemptions guide.
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