Program
Delay paying property taxes until later
Some places let seniors postpone property tax, usually repaid with interest when the home is sold.
What it can pay for
- property tax relief
- Official name
- Property Tax Deferral for Seniors: How to Find Yours (Cross-State)
- Where
- Nationwide
- Status
- Program running
- About the amount
- Capped by equity in most states (FL: deferred tax + interest + all liens <=85% of just value; IL: 80% of equity and a $7,500/yr dollar cap; MN: other liens must be under 75% of market value, the homeowner pays 3% of income and the state lends the rest). No national dollar figure exists.
- Housing rules
- Must own and live in the home as primary residence, often for several years (MN: 5 years owned and homesteaded; OR: 5 years). Usually bars an existing reverse mortgage (MN bars it outright; OR allows only some 2011-2016 reverse mortgages with 40% equity).
- How long it takes
- No published processing times. Deadlines vary widely: MN Nov 1, FL Mar 31, IL Jan 1-Mar 1, OR Jan 1-Apr 15 (late to Dec 1 with a fee).
- How to apply
- Apply at the county tax collector, treasurer or assessor (Minnesota is the exception — state form CR-SCD). Most states require a new application or recertification every year or two. Gather proof of age, deed, prior-year household income for everyone in the house, mortgage statements, and proof of insurance.
- Does not pay for
- Pays property tax only — nothing for repairs, insurance, or the mortgage. It's a loan against the home (a lien), not a discount or a grant.
- Official source
- lincolninst.edu
- Last checked
- September 29, 2026