Help With Property Taxes: How to Challenge Your Bill and Access Relief Programs

If you own a home, you must pay property taxes. Property taxes fund important community services like schools and infrastructure. But for many people, especially those on fixed or limited incomes, paying property taxes can become a heavy financial burden.

Fortunately, there are a variety of programs and options designed to help homeowners who find themselves struggling to afford these payments. You might be able to reduce the amount of property tax that you have to pay by challenging your home's assessed value or take advantage of a tax relief program, payment plan, or deferral.

How Can I Get Help With Property Taxes?

Many programs are available if you need help with your property taxes. For example, you might qualify for an exemption, a credit, a tax deferral, or a payment plan.

• Exemptions. An exemption, such as a homestead exemption, for example, reduces the taxable value of your home, which lowers the total property tax owed. Exemptions are also sometimes available to certain taxpayers, such as seniors, disabled persons, or military servicemembers.
• Property tax credits. Tax credits, which reduce what you owe, are sometimes available to eligible homeowners.
• Property tax deferrals. Eligible groups, such as seniors or military servicemembers, can sometimes postpone paying property taxes.
• Payment plans. A property tax payment plans allows the taxpayer to pay overdue or current property taxes over time, typically in installments, instead of owing a lump sum all at once.

Or you might be able to reduce your total property taxes by challenging the assessed value of the property if you think the value is incorrect.

Challenging Your Home's Assessed Valuation

One way to reduce the property taxes you must pay is to challenge your home's assessed value. The property taxes are primarily based on your home's taxable value, which could be based on the fair market value, full value, actual value, or something similar.

All states have specific procedures for challenging—or "appealing"—a property's assessed value. Also, some states require that you pay the bill before appealing. You'll then typically get a refund if you're successful in your challenge.

How to Challenge Your Home's Assessment

Typically, you'll need to dispute the value shortly after you receive the bill. To prevail in your challenge, you must show that the estimated market value placed on your property is either inaccurate or unfair.

Follow the procedures carefully. Otherwise, you might lose the appeal. Check the tax assessor's website or review your property tax bill to learn about the specific process and what sort of documents and evidence you'll need to make your challenge to the value the assessor placed on your home.

Property Tax Exemptions, Deferrals, Credits, and Other Tax Relief

Each state has property tax abatement (reduction) or exemption programs that allow specific homeowners to reduce the amount of property tax they must pay often based on age, disability, income, or personal status. Older homeowners and veterans often are entitled to reduced property taxes. In some states, abatement isn't possible if you're already delinquent in your tax payments. Or you might qualify for a deferral (where you can postpone paying the taxes if you meet eligibility requirements), a credit, or a payment plan. Also, many states permit the taxing authority to compromise on the amount of due taxes or waive penalties and interest.

Florida, for example, offers a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of a primary residence by up to $50,000. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, veterans, disabled persons, and other special categories. Some counties offer tax deferral programs for certain qualifying taxpayers. For example, the homestead tax deferral program allows homeowners who are entitled to claim homestead exemption to delay payment of taxes and non-ad valorem assessments. (Fla. Stat. § 197.252 (2025).)

Homeowners in Arkansas can get a homestead property tax credit, which lowers the amount of tax owed on a primary residence. If you're eligible for the homestead tax credit and are either age 65 or older or disabled, you might qualify for additional property tax relief. In Missouri, the Missouri Property Tax Credit provides a credit to eligible seniors and 100% disabled persons for a portion of their real estate taxes. Other areas allow eligible seniors to "freeze" the amount of property taxes they must pay, which prevents future increases.

Ordinarily, you'll have to apply for the exemption, deferral, credit, or abatement and provide proof of eligibility.

How Tax Payment Plans Generally Work

Many places offer tax payment plans. Some counties in Georgia, for example, offer payment plans or installment options for property tax payments. In Montana, homeowners can pay their property taxes in seven monthly installments instead of in a lump sum. (Mont. Code § 15-16-122 (2025).)

To qualify for a payment plan in most places, you'll have to submit an application showing you own the property in question. You might have to meet additional criteria, such as being able to show you have limited financial resources.

Some areas offer discounts for prompt installment payments. For example, some counties in Tennessee accept prepayments and partial payments. (Tenn. Code § 67-5-1808 (2025).) And some counties, but not all, give a discount for paying early. (Tenn. Code § 67-5-1804 (2025).)

However, in some places, a payment plan might only be available if you make your payments before the taxes become overdue.

Who Qualifies for Property Tax Relief?

Eligibility criteria typically focus on age, income level, disability status, veteran status, and homeownership. Many programs serve seniors (age 65+), low-income households, veterans, or people with disabilities, but some exemptions and credits might also benefit younger homeowners.

How to Apply for Property Tax Relief

Applying for property tax relief is generally a pretty straightforward process. The tax assessor's website should provide clear instructions, no matter if you're apply for an exemption or another relief option, or appealing your assessment. You might also be able to call or email the tax assessor's office to get specific information.

Additional Tips

If you're seeking relief from a particular program, apply early and don't miss the deadline. Application windows or the timeframe to appeal an assessment are often limited. Also, many programs require annual reapplication for some relief programs, so check your status every year. In addition, investigate whether there are any city or county programs. Some cities offer additional tax relief options beyond state programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Property Taxes

The following FAQs answer common questions about property taxes.

When are property taxes due?

Property taxes are usually due once or twice a year. The deadlines for payment vary by state and county.

What if I can't pay on time?

If you're unable to make your payment, many jurisdictions offer options such as repayment plans, installment agreements, or temporary deferrals to prevent penalties and the loss of your home.

What happens during an assessment appeal?

If the amount of your property taxes seems inaccurate due to an incorrect property value assessment, you can appeal the assessment. This is a formal process. During an appeal, the homeowner submits evidence to dispute the assessment, might be required to appear at a hearing, and may escalate the case if the appeal is denied. The process often includes deadlines, supporting documentation requirements (you might have to submit an appraisal or provide comparable sales figures), and steps for further appeals.

Am I at risk of losing my home because of property taxes?

When you don't pay your property taxes, the taxing authority could sell your home or its lien on the property to satisfy your debt. Or, your mortgage lender might pay the taxes and then bill you. If you fail to reimburse the mortgage lender, it might foreclose your home. If you're facing a potential foreclosure, consider contacting an attorney to find out your options.

Find Local and State Resources

If you need tax help, your first move should be to contact the local tax collector, treasurer's office, or visit the taxing authority's website for options and instructions. Each locality has slightly different programs but most offer clear guidance and online applications.

If you need more assistance and you're an older homeowner, the AARP Foundation Property Tax-Aide offers free help, educational resources, and online tools so homeowners can understand and apply for local property tax relief programs. Also, some local senior services organizations offer personalized consultations to guide older homeowners through assistance programs.