Do Retired People Pay Less on Property Taxes?

Your property tax could be cut in retirement.

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Property taxes are generally tied to the value of your property, so, in and of itself, retirement won't impact your property taxes. However, lifestyle changes in retirement might reduce your overall property tax liability. At the same time, many governments provide property tax rebates or reductions or increase caps for older residents.

Tax Reductions

Some states will reduce your taxes if you reach a certain age and, sometimes, if you meet income limits. For example, as of 2013, Florida will exclude $50,000 of your primary home's value from taxation if you're at least 65 years old and have an adjusted gross income of $27,590 or less. North Carolina will exclude $25,000 or half of your home's value, whichever is more, from taxation as long as you're 65 or older and meet the state's income limitation. Some Massachusetts communities also offer a $500 to $1,000 property tax rebate, but with a twist. You have to do volunteer labor to "work off" your property taxes, although you may also qualify for an additional exemption of up to $1,000.

Increase-Proofing

Some states freeze your home's value for property tax purposes, protecting you from future property tax increases. For example, as of publication, Washington state will freeze the your home's property tax valuation and exempt you from special levies on your home once you turn 61, provided you qualify as having a relatively low income. New Jersey has a similar program that has a higher income limit.

Changing Homes

Some retired people use retirement as an opportunity to change their living situation. If you move into a smaller and less-expensive home, you'll probably end up paying lower property taxes. On the other hand, some states that are attractive to retirees because of their low or non-existent income taxes make up for it through property taxes. Texas, Tennessee and Florida are three no-income tax states that make it up, to some extent, through higher property taxes.

Property Tax Deduction

You might also get additional benefit from your property taxes if retirement changes your income tax picture. If you were paying the alternative minimum tax before you retired, you weren't able to claim your property tax write-off, since it is one of the many deductions that the AMT eliminates. However, if your income changed in retirement and you began earning either a small-enough taxable income to avoid the AMT or if your investments are doing so well that you make too much money to pay the AMT, you'll be able to start writing off property tax again.