For Homeowners
1. Apply for Property Tax Exemptions
- Homestead exemption: Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence.
- Senior, veteran, or disability exemptions: Available in many states.
- Agricultural or conservation exemptions: For land used for farming or environmental purposes.
2. Challenge Your Property Assessment
- Request a copy of your
property tax assessment and review it for errors.
- File an
appeal if you believe your property’s assessed value is too high.
- Gather comparable sales data (comps) from similar nearby properties to support your claim.
3. Seek Assessment Caps or Limitations
- Some states cap annual increases in assessed value (e.g., California’s
Proposition 13 limits increases to 2% per year).
- You can support or advocate for similar measures locally if not already in place.
4. Consider Property Improvements Carefully
- Major renovations or additions can raise your assessed value.
- Before improving, check how local assessors treat upgrades — some may exempt energy-efficient or necessary repairs.
5. Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Programs
- Seniors or low-income homeowners in some areas can defer tax payments until the property is sold or transferred.
6. Check for Local Tax Relief or Credit Programs
- Some cities or counties offer
rebates or credits for low-income households or for certain types of properties (e.g., historic preservation).