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Best Homestead Exemptions by State (2026)

A homestead exemption can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars a year. Here's what each state offers.

A homestead exemption is one of the most underutilized ways to lower your property tax bill. Most states offer them, but millions of eligible homeowners never apply — either because they don't know about the program or don't realize the application isn't automatic.

The programs below represent the most notable homestead exemptions in the country. Click any state name to see the full details for that state, including how to apply and current deadlines.

Notable Homestead Exemption Programs

AlaskaAK
Base exemption$150,000 assessed value
Senior bonus$150,000+ for 65+

One of the most generous homestead exemptions in the nation. Seniors 65+ may exempt the first $150,000 of assessed value with no income limit.

TexasTX
Base exemption$100,000 school district
Senior bonusAdditional $10,000 for 65+

The $100,000 school district homestead exemption (increased from $40,000 in 2023) is among the largest in the country. 65+ owners also receive a school tax ceiling that freezes their school tax bill.

FloridaFL
Base exemption$50,000 assessed value
Senior bonusAdditional $50,000 for low-income 65+

Florida's two-tier exemption removes the first $25,000 from all tax calculations and the second $25,000 from non-school levies. Low-income seniors may receive an additional $50,000 exemption at local government discretion.

LouisianaLA
Base exemption$75,000 assessed value

Louisiana's homestead exemption is constitutionally guaranteed and among the highest in the South. It applies to the first $75,000 of assessed value on your primary residence.

MississippiMS
Base exemption$75,000 assessed value

Mississippi exempts the first $75,000 of fair market value of owner-occupied homes, making it one of the most generous in the Southeast.

HawaiiHI
Base exemption$100,000 assessed value
Senior bonus$140,000 for 65+

While Hawaii has the nation's lowest property tax rate, its homestead exemption also reduces assessed value significantly. Owners 65 and older receive an even larger exemption.

South CarolinaSC
Base exemption$50,000 fair market value
Senior bonusSchool taxes eliminated for 65+

South Carolina's Homestead Exemption Program removes $50,000 from fair market value for qualifying owners 65+, legally blind, or totally disabled. The state also exempts seniors from all school property taxes.

GeorgiaGA
Base exemption$2,000–$4,000 state assessment
Senior bonusSchool tax exemption for 62+

The base state exemption is modest, but Georgia allows counties and municipalities to offer additional exemptions. Most counties exempt seniors 62+ from school property taxes, which represent the largest portion of the tax bill.

New YorkNY
Base exemptionSTAR: up to ~$30,000 assessed
Senior bonusEnhanced STAR: up to ~$68,000 for 65+

New York's School Tax Relief (STAR) program is the primary homestead benefit. Basic STAR is available to all homeowners; Enhanced STAR is for seniors 65+ with income under $98,700 and provides a significantly larger reduction.

IllinoisIL
Base exemption$10,000 EAV reduction
Senior bonusAdditional $8,000 for 65+ (Senior Exemption)

Illinois' General Homestead Exemption reduces Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) by $10,000 (Cook County) or $6,000 (other counties). The Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption adds $8,000. A separate Senior Freeze locks in assessed value for low-income seniors.

CaliforniaCA
Base exemption$7,000 assessed value (~$70 savings)
Senior bonusProp 19: transfers base value for 55+

California's base homestead exemption is relatively small due to Prop 13 limiting assessed value growth. The real benefit is Prop 19, which allows homeowners 55+ to transfer their low assessed base value to a new home anywhere in California, preserving decades of accumulated Prop 13 savings.

OklahomaOK
Base exemption$1,000 assessed value
Senior bonusAdditional $1,000 for 65+ (Double Homestead)

Oklahoma's Homestead Exemption is modest in dollar terms but is automatically applied. Low-income seniors (household income under ~$30,800) may also freeze their assessed value through the Senior Valuation Limitation.

Exemption amounts and eligibility rules change over time. Verify current details with your county assessor's office before applying.

How to Apply for a Homestead Exemption

  1. 1.Find your county assessor. Search for "[your county] property appraiser" or "[your county] tax assessor" to find the official office website.
  2. 2.Check the deadline. Most states require applications by January 1 or April 1 for the exemption to apply to that year's tax bill. Missing the deadline by one day means waiting another full year.
  3. 3.Gather your documents. You'll typically need proof of ownership (deed) and proof the property is your primary residence (driver's license, voter registration, or utility bills showing the address).
  4. 4.Submit your application. Most counties allow online applications; some require a mailed or in-person form. Applications are usually free.
  5. 5.Verify your exemption appears on your next annual tax statement or TRIM notice. If it's missing, contact your assessor promptly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a homestead exemption?
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence, lowering your annual property tax bill. Most states require you to own the property and use it as your primary residence to qualify. The exemption amount, eligibility rules, and application process vary significantly by state and sometimes by county.
Which state has the best homestead exemption?
It depends on what you're measuring. Alaska offers the largest dollar exemption ($150,000 of assessed value). Texas offers $100,000 off school district taxes, which is particularly valuable since school taxes typically represent 50-60% of the total tax bill. Florida's $50,000 exemption combined with its low overall effective rate makes it extremely competitive. For seniors, states like South Carolina (school tax elimination) and Georgia (school tax exemption at 62) offer exceptional value.
How do I apply for a homestead exemption?
In most states, you apply once through your county tax assessor's or appraiser's office. The application typically requires proof of ownership and proof that the property is your primary residence (such as a driver's license showing the address). Many states allow online applications. Most have a deadline — often January 1 or April 1 — for the exemption to apply to that tax year. Check your state and county assessor's website for the specific form and deadline.
Does a homestead exemption expire?
In most states, once approved, the homestead exemption remains in effect as long as you own and occupy the home as your primary residence. You typically don't need to reapply each year. However, if you move, sell the property, or change its use, you must notify the assessor and re-apply for any new primary residence. Some states do require periodic renewal or income verification for income-based senior exemptions.
Can I claim a homestead exemption in multiple states?
No. A homestead exemption applies only to your primary residence — the home where you live most of the year. Claiming it on a second home, vacation home, or rental property is considered fraud in most states and can result in back taxes, penalties, and interest. If you split time between two states, you can only claim homestead status in one of them.

Information is for reference only. Tax rates and laws vary by jurisdiction — consult your local assessor's office or a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.