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# Moving to Save Money? Don’t Forget Property Taxes
- URL: https://www.smartseniordaily.com/moving-to-save-money-dont-forget-property-taxes/
- Published: 2025-11-14T15:39:23.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-14T15:39:22.000Z
- Description: Some states give seniors big breaks — others quietly take them back.
- Author: Smart Senior Daily Staff
- Tags: Moving, Taxes, Housing

---

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/1a/d91a71e8-ed81-4ec8-8028-ec14ba129b35/content/images/2025/10/BonusGuideCapsule-whiteBG-2.png)

## If you’re thinking about moving to save a little money…

For many retirees, the math sounds simple: sell the family home, downsize, and stretch your dollars somewhere warmer or cheaper.

But one cost often slips through the cracks — **property taxes**.

A low-priced bungalow in Florida or Texas might look like a steal until you find out the new county taxes at double the rate of your old one. On the other hand, a modest condo in Alabama or Kentucky might come with senior exemptions that nearly wipe out your property tax bill.

They’re local, they vary wildly, and senior exemptions can swing the math by thousands.

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## How much property taxes vary

Property taxes are set **locally**, not nationally. According to the **Tax Foundation**, average effective rates in **2024** ranged from about **0.3% in Hawaii** to **2.3% in New Jersey**.

That means a $250,000 home could cost anywhere from **$750 to nearly $6,000 a year** — depending entirely on where you move.

---

## States with senior-friendly tax breaks

*(Examples, not an exhaustive list)*

- **Alabama:** Age 65+ are exempt from the **state portion** of property tax, though county and city taxes may still apply.
- **Kentucky:** “Homestead exemption” knocks **$49,100 (2025–2026)** off your home’s assessed value if you’re 65+.
- **New York:** The **Enhanced STAR** program gives school-tax relief for seniors with incomes up to **$107,300 in 2025**.
- **Texas:** Homeowners 65+ get a **$10,000 school-tax exemption** plus a **school-tax ceiling (freeze)** once they qualify; some local governments add their own exemptions.
- **Florida:** Counties can offer **extra senior homestead exemptions** (typically $25,000–$50,000). The income cap is **set annually by the state**, and some counties grant larger exemptions for long-term residents.
- **Colorado:** The Senior Property Tax Exemption covers **50% of the first $200,000** of a primary home’s value, when funded by the legislature.
- **Maine:** The old senior “freeze” was **repealed**, but seniors can still claim the **Property Tax Fairness Credit** and **Homestead Exemption**.

*(Sources: Tax Foundation, Newsweek, Realtor.com, and state revenue departments.)*

---

## Hidden gotchas

Not every “low-tax” state is a deal once you unpack the details.

- Some require you to live there a **full year** before claiming the exemption.
- Many have **income limits**, excluding wealthier retirees.
- **School or county taxes** may still apply even if the state waives its share.
- **HOA fees or insurance** can eat up the savings, especially in coastal states.

> **Pro Tip:** Most exemptions are handled by your **county assessor**, not the state. But state revenue offices can direct you to the right local contact — and many will even help walk you through the application. Application deadlines and forms vary by county.

---

## Smart move: check before you pack

Before you put your house on the market, take ten minutes to search:  
**“senior property-tax exemption” + \[state name\]**

Visit the county assessor’s site, or better yet, call. If the website feels like a maze, ask directly for the **assessor’s office**, not the treasurer — assessors typically handle exemptions.

If you find a state that fits your budget and offers age-based relief, the savings can last for life — freeing up money for travel, family, or just a little extra peace of mind.

---

## FREE BONUS GUIDE -- Find Your State: Senior Property-Tax Savings Directory (2025)

Tap a state to see who to call, the official site, and a quick tip. Use the picker to jump straight to a state.

Jump to a state — Select — Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 

Alabama 

Agency: Alabama Department of Revenue – Property Tax Division

Phone: [(334) 242-1525](tel:+13342421525)

Website: [revenue.alabama.gov/property-tax/](https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/property-tax/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Ask about the age-65+ state tax exemption; local taxes may still apply.

Alaska 

Agency: Alaska Dept. of Commerce, Community & Economic Development – Division of Community & Regional Affairs

Phone: [(907) 269-4501](tel:+19072694501)

Website: [commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/dcra?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Seniors 65+ can exempt the first $150,000 of home value statewide.

Arizona 

Agency: Arizona Department of Revenue – Property Tax Division

Phone: [(602) 716-6843](tel:+16027166843)

Website: [azdor.gov](https://azdor.gov/property-tax?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Ask about the Senior Valuation Protection (Freeze) program.

Arkansas 

Agency: Arkansas Assessment Coordination Division

Phone: [(501) 324-9240](tel:+15013249240)

Website: [arkansas.gov/acd](https://www.arkansas.gov/acd/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Age 65+ or disabled may have property assessment frozen.

California 

Agency: California State Board of Equalization

Phone: [(916) 274-3350](tel:+19162743350)

Website: [boe.ca.gov/prop19](https://www.boe.ca.gov/prop19/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Seniors 55+ can transfer base-year value to a new home (Prop 19).

Colorado 

Agency: Colorado Division of Property Taxation

Phone: [(303) 864-7777](tel:+13038647777)

Website: [cdola.colorado.gov/property-tax-relief](https://cdola.colorado.gov/property-tax-relief?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Ask about the Senior Property Tax Exemption (50% off first $200k).

Connecticut 

Agency: CT Office of Policy & Management – Intergovernmental Policy Division

Phone: [(860) 418-6230](tel:+18604186230)

Website: [portal.ct.gov/OPM](https://portal.ct.gov/OPM?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Offers “Circuit Breaker” credits and local tax-freeze programs.

Delaware 

Agency: Delaware Division of Revenue

Phone: [(302) 577-8200](tel:+13025778200)

Website: [revenue.delaware.gov](https://revenue.delaware.gov/property-tax-relief-programs/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: School property-tax credit for homeowners 65+.

Florida 

Agency: Florida Department of Revenue – Property Tax Oversight

Phone: [(850) 617-8999](tel:+18506178999)

Website: [floridarevenue.com/property](https://floridarevenue.com/property?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Counties offer additional senior homestead exemptions; income limit ≈ $35,000.

Georgia 

Agency: Georgia Department of Revenue – Local Government Services

Phone: [(404) 724-7000](tel:+14047247000)

Website: [dor.georgia.gov](https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead exemptions vary by county; some freeze school taxes for seniors.

Hawaii 

Agency: Hawaii Department of Taxation

Phone: [(808) 587-4242](tel:+18085874242)

Website: [tax.hawaii.gov](https://tax.hawaii.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Check each island/county for additional senior homeowner exemptions.

Idaho 

Agency: Idaho State Tax Commission

Phone: [(208) 334-7660](tel:+12083347660)

Website: [tax.idaho.gov](https://tax.idaho.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Property Tax Reduction (Circuit Breaker) lowers taxes for seniors 65+.

Illinois 

Agency: Illinois Department of Revenue

Phone: [(800) 732-8866](tel:+18007328866)

Website: [tax.illinois.gov](https://tax.illinois.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Senior Homestead & Senior Freeze exemptions available.

Indiana 

Agency: Indiana Department of Local Government Finance

Phone: [(317) 232-3777](tel:+13172323777)

Website: [in.gov/dlgf](https://www.in.gov/dlgf/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Senior deductions and circuit-breaker caps; apply at county auditor.

Iowa 

Agency: Iowa Department of Revenue

Phone: [(515) 281-3114](tel:+15152813114)

Website: [tax.iowa.gov](https://tax.iowa.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Senior and disabled property-tax credit for low-income homeowners.

Kansas 

Agency: Kansas Department of Revenue – Property Valuation Division

Phone: [(785) 296-2365](tel:+17852962365)

Website: [ksrevenue.gov](https://www.ksrevenue.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: SAFESR refund program for seniors ≥ 65 with limited income.

Kentucky 

Agency: Kentucky Department of Revenue – Property Valuation

Phone: [(502) 564-8338](tel:+15025648338)

Website: [revenue.ky.gov](https://revenue.ky.gov/Property/Pages/Property-Tax-Exemptions.aspx?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead exemption = $49,100 off assessed value (2025).

Louisiana 

Agency: Louisiana Tax Commission

Phone: [(225) 219-0339](tel:+12252190339)

Website: [ltc.la.gov](https://ltc.la.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead exemption; “Special Assessment Level” freezes value 65+.

Maine 

Agency: Maine Revenue Services

Phone: [(207) 624-5600](tel:+12076245600)

Website: [maine.gov/revenue](https://www.maine.gov/revenue/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: “Property Tax Fairness Credit” and senior property tax stabilization.

Maryland 

Agency: Maryland State Dept. of Assessments & Taxation

Phone: [(410) 767-1184](tel:+14107671184)

Website: [dat.maryland.gov](https://dat.maryland.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homeowners’ and senior tax credits; some local freezes.

Massachusetts 

Agency: MA Dept. of Revenue – Division of Local Services

Phone: [(617) 626-2300](tel:+16176262300)

Website: [mass.gov/dls](https://www.mass.gov/dls?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Age 65+ “Clause 41C” exemption for limited-income seniors.

Michigan 

Agency: Michigan Department of Treasury

Phone: [(517) 335-7484](tel:+15173357484)

Website: [michigan.gov/taxes](https://www.michigan.gov/taxes?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead Property Tax Credit for eligible seniors.

Minnesota 

Agency: Minnesota Department of Revenue

Phone: [(651) 556-3000](tel:+16515563000)

Website: [revenue.state.mn.us](https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Property Tax Refund (PTR) program for homeowners 65+.

Mississippi 

Agency: Mississippi Department of Revenue

Phone: [(601) 923-7000](tel:+16019237000)

Website: [dor.ms.gov](https://www.dor.ms.gov/property-tax?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Seniors 65+ exempt on first $7,500 of assessed home value.

Missouri 

Agency: Missouri Department of Revenue

Phone: [(573) 751-3505](tel:+15737513505)

Website: [dor.mo.gov](https://dor.mo.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Property Tax Credit and Senior Freeze (age 62+).

Montana 

Agency: Montana Dept. of Revenue – Property Assessment Division

Phone: [(406) 444-6900](tel:+14064446900)

Website: [mtrevenue.gov](https://mtrevenue.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit based on income.

Nebraska 

Agency: Nebraska Dept. of Revenue – Property Assessment Division

Phone: [(402) 471-5984](tel:+14024715984)

Website: [revenue.nebraska.gov](https://revenue.nebraska.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead Exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners.

Nevada 

Agency: Nevada Department of Taxation

Phone: [(775) 684-2000](tel:+17756842000)

Website: [tax.nv.gov](https://tax.nv.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Local tax abatements for seniors (check county).

New Hampshire 

Agency: NH Department of Revenue Administration

Phone: [(603) 230-5920](tel:+16032305920)

Website: [revenue.nh.gov](https://www.revenue.nh.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Elderly Exemption (age 65+) – local application.

New Jersey 

Agency: New Jersey Division of Taxation

Phone: [(609) 292-6400](tel:+16092926400)

Website: [state.nj.us/treasury/taxation](https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Senior Freeze (PTR) and $250 senior deduction.

New Mexico 

Agency: New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department

Phone: [(505) 827-0700](tel:+15058270700)

Website: [tax.newmexico.gov](https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Valuation freeze for low-income homeowners 65+.

New York 

Agency: NYS Department of Taxation & Finance

Phone: [(518) 457-2036](tel:+15184572036)

Website: [tax.ny.gov/star](https://www.tax.ny.gov/star?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Enhanced STAR for seniors under income $98,700 (2025).

North Carolina 

Agency: North Carolina Department of Revenue

Phone: [(877) 252-3052](tel:+18772523052)

Website: [ncdor.gov](https://www.ncdor.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead exclusion ($25,000 or 50%) for low-income 65+.

North Dakota 

Agency: North Dakota Tax Commissioner

Phone: [(701) 328-7088](tel:+17013287088)

Website: [tax.nd.gov](https://www.tax.nd.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead Credit for seniors 65+ based on income.

Ohio 

Agency: Ohio Department of Taxation

Phone: [(800) 282-1780](tel:+18002821780)

Website: [tax.ohio.gov](https://tax.ohio.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead Exemption for homeowners 65+ or disabled.

Oklahoma 

Agency: Oklahoma Tax Commission

Phone: [(405) 521-3160](tel:+14055213160)

Website: [oklahoma.gov/tax](https://oklahoma.gov/tax.html?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Property valuation freeze for seniors 65+.

Oregon 

Agency: Oregon Department of Revenue

Phone: [(503) 378-4988](tel:+15033784988)

Website: [oregon.gov/dor](https://www.oregon.gov/dor?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral program.

Pennsylvania 

Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

Phone: [(888) 222-9190](tel:+18882229190)

Website: [revenue.pa.gov](https://www.revenue.pa.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Property Tax/Rent Rebate for low-income seniors 65+.

Rhode Island 

Agency: Rhode Island Division of Taxation

Phone: [(401) 574-8829](tel:+14015748829)

Website: [tax.ri.gov](https://tax.ri.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Local property-tax relief; some towns offer senior freezes.

South Carolina 

Agency: South Carolina Department of Revenue

Phone: [(803) 898-5000](tel:+18038985000)

Website: [dor.sc.gov](https://dor.sc.gov/tax/property/senior-citizen?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: First $50,000 of home value exempt for 65+.

South Dakota 

Agency: South Dakota Department of Revenue

Phone: [(605) 773-3311](tel:+16057733311)

Website: [dor.sd.gov](https://dor.sd.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Assessment freeze & tax-relief programs for low-income seniors.

Tennessee 

Agency: Tennessee Comptroller – Division of Property Assessments

Phone: [(615) 741-3957](tel:+16157413957)

Website: [comptroller.tn.gov](https://comptroller.tn.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Tax Relief and Tax Freeze for 65+ homeowners.

Texas 

Agency: Texas Comptroller – Property Tax Assistance Division

Phone: [(800) 252-9121](tel:+18002529121)

Website: [comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax](https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Over-65 Exemption + Tax Ceiling on school taxes.

Utah 

Agency: Utah State Tax Commission

Phone: [(801) 297-2200](tel:+18012972200)

Website: [tax.utah.gov](https://tax.utah.gov/property?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Circuit-breaker credit for seniors 66+.

Vermont 

Agency: Vermont Department of Taxes

Phone: [(802) 828-2865](tel:+18028282865)

Website: [tax.vermont.gov](https://tax.vermont.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Property-tax credit for income-eligible seniors.

Virginia 

Agency: Virginia Department of Taxation

Phone: [(804) 367-8031](tel:+18043678031)

Website: [tax.virginia.gov](https://www.tax.virginia.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Localities can exempt or freeze taxes for low-income seniors.

Washington 

Agency: Washington Department of Revenue

Phone: [(360) 534-1400](tel:+13605341400)

Website: [dor.wa.gov](https://dor.wa.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Senior Exemption & Deferral programs for 61+ homeowners.

West Virginia 

Agency: West Virginia State Tax Department

Phone: [(304) 558-3333](tel:+13045583333)

Website: [tax.wv.gov](https://tax.wv.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: $20,000 homestead exemption for 65+ or disabled veterans.

Wisconsin 

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Phone: [(608) 266-2772](tel:+16082662772)

Website: [revenue.wi.gov](https://www.revenue.wi.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Homestead Credit for low-income seniors and renters.

Wyoming 

Agency: Wyoming Department of Revenue – Property Tax Division

Phone: [(307) 777-5235](tel:+13077775235)

Website: [revenue.wyo.gov](https://revenue.wyo.gov/?ref=smartseniordaily.com)

Tip: Property Tax Refund Program for low-income seniors 65+.

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**Last updated:** November 12, 2025  
**Disclaimer:** This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Tax laws vary by state and county; consult your local tax authority or a qualified advisor before making any real-estate decisions.