As house prices have gone up, so have property taxes, which has made it harder for everyone to afford housing. This issue affects seniors the most because many live on a fixed income.
To help out, a number of U.S. states and the District of Columbia have started giving property tax breaks to older residents. These breaks can include tax exemptions, credits, or even freezing the tax so it won’t increase in the future.
States Leading the Charge
Fifteen states, along with Washington D.C., currently offer some form of property tax relief for older people. The type and amount of relief vary by state. For instance:
- In Alabama, seniors don't pay state property taxes but might still have to pay county taxes.
- In Alaska, seniors are not taxed on the first $150,000 value of their home.
- Florida offers an exemption up to $50,000, and in Georgia, seniors may avoid county taxes on $4,000 of their home's value.
- Texas doesn’t have state property tax, but local school districts provide extra exemptions for seniors.
Additionally, several states like Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Idaho have laws that freeze property taxes for seniors, so they pay the same amount each year despite any increases in property values.
Meanwhile, 17 more states offer tax credits to seniors, helping reduce the amount they owe.
Why This Matters
Experts like Assaf Harpaz from the University of Georgia’s Law School and Christopher Berry from the University of Chicago have voiced that while these exemptions help seniors manage living costs, they can reduce the money available for public services like schools, police, and healthcare if not balanced correctly.
Therefore, states need to find a way to help seniors without significantly harming their budgets or services.
Looking Ahead
Several states are considering new laws to further reduce or eliminate property taxes for seniors. For example, a proposal in Maine could end property taxes for seniors altogether, while Michigan is looking at exempting residents over 70 from these taxes.
These efforts show a strong movement towards helping seniors manage their expenses as they age, recognizing the importance of making it easier for them to stay in their homes without financial strain.
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