How to Lower Your Property Taxes in 2026

If you’re over 55 and own your home, there’s something important you should know—especially if you’ve lived there a long time:

You may be paying more in property taxes than you need to, not because you missed a payment, not because you made a mistake, but because property tax systems don’t adjust automatically as you age.

They assume that if you don’t ask, you don’t need help, and most people never think to ask.

Property taxes aren’t based on your income. They’re based on what your home is worth.

That works fine, until it doesn’t. For many seniors like us:

So even if your financial life hasn’t changed much, your tax bill keeps climbing quietly in the background.

That’s why many states created property tax relief programs specifically for seniors to help people stay in homes they’ve already paid into for years.

The problem? Most of these programs are not automatic.

Many states and counties offer a senior property tax exemption once you reach a certain age, often 55, 60, or 65.

An exemption works by reducing the portion of your home’s value that gets taxed.

For example:

That reduction can translate into hundreds or even thousands of dollars saved every year. What surprises many homeowners is this:

These exemptions don’t kick in automatically. You have to apply.

And if you’ve lived in your home for 20 years or more, it’s very possible this program didn’t exist or wasn’t promoted when you first moved in.

Some states offer something even more helpful than an exemption: a property tax freeze.

A freeze means that once you qualify:

For retirees or near-retirees, this can bring real peace of mind. It removes the fear that taxes will keep rising faster than income.

Not every state offers this, and eligibility often depends on:

But if it exists where you live, it’s absolutely worth asking about. A simple question to your local assessor can open the door:

“Do you offer a senior property tax freeze, and do I qualify?”

A homestead exemption applies to the home you actually live in—not rentals or second properties.

Many homeowners apply once and never think about it again.

But here’s what people often miss:

If you haven’t reviewed your homestead status in a long time, you may be leaving savings on the table without realizing it.

This part surprises almost everyone. Property assessments are not perfect—and they’re often wrong.

Homes are sometimes assessed as if they’re in better condition than they actually are. Or they’re compared to properties that sold for more but aren’t truly similar.

You should consider an appeal if:

Appealing doesn’t usually require a lawyer. Many appeals can be done online or by mail, and filing fees—if any—are often minimal.

Even a modest reduction in assessed value can lower your taxes year after year.

Some states and counties offer additional tax relief for seniors based on income.

These programs can include:

They’re designed for people living on fixed or modest incomes but they’re rarely advertised. If you don’t ask, you likely won’t hear about them.

If you’re over 55, here’s a realistic next step:

That’s it! No paperwork marathon, no complicated math.

With care,

Mike Bridges

Founder, The O55 Report