65+ Homeowners: Are You Missing a Property Tax Break?

If you were born before 1962 and own your home, you may be able to cut or even freeze your property tax. The AARP Foundation says more than 9 million older Americans on fixed incomes may qualify for property tax help, but only 8% ever apply. It's not automatic. Here's who qualifies at your age, how much you could save, which states can freeze your bill, how to get money back for years you missed, and the one mistake that gets people turned down. 0:00 Born before 1962? Listen to this 1:38 Do I qualify at my age? 3:24 How much could I save? (4 kinds of help) 5:39 Can my property tax be frozen? 7:20 A quick favor 7:39 What if I already missed it? (refunds for past years) 8:58 The one mistake that gets people turned down 11:01 If you're struggling to pay (deferral) 11:38 Checklist (screenshot this) CHECKLIST ✅ Look at your property tax bill. Find the line that says "exemptions." ✅ No senior exemption? Call your county assessor this week. The number is on your bill. ✅ Ask if they have a senior freeze or a tax ceiling. ✅ Ask if you can get a refund for past years you missed. ✅ Send proof of age, proof you live there, and proof of income. ✅ Make sure your ID shows your current address. ✅ Check your state's deadline. New Jersey: Nov 2, 2026. Pennsylvania rebate: Dec 31, 2026. ✅ Struggling to pay? Ask about a senior property tax deferral. FREE HELP • AARP Foundation Property Tax-Aide (search "AARP Property Tax-Aide") shows the programs in your state. • Your county assessor or appraisal district (phone number is on your tax bill). EXAMPLES FROM THE VIDEO (2026) • Texas: extra $60,000 school exemption at 65, school tax ceiling (freeze), no income limit, surviving spouse 55+ keeps it, late filing up to 2 years with refund. • Florida: extra senior exemption up to $50,000 in many counties (income about $38,700 or less). Deadline March 1. • New Jersey: Senior Freeze, Stay NJ (up to $6,500) and ANCHOR on one form. Deadline Nov 2. • Pennsylvania: Property Tax/Rent Rebate up to $1,000 (income up to about $48,110; only half of Social Security counts). Deadline Dec 31. • New York: Enhanced STAR (income up to about $110,750) and the Senior Citizens Exemption. • Cook County, IL: Senior Freeze (income $65,000 or less); missed exemptions can be claimed back to 2021. • Washington: senior exemption starts at age 61. What state are you in, and do you already have a senior break on your bill? Tell me in the comments. Your answer might help someone from your state. Please never post your address, Social Security number or bank details. Send this to a parent who just turned 65, a neighbor who lost their husband or wife, or anyone who owns their home and pays property tax. Born before 1962 property tax, senior property tax exemption, property tax freeze seniors, over 65 property tax, senior homestead exemption, property tax relief seniors 2026, Texas over 65 exemption, NJ senior freeze, Stay NJ, Pennsylvania property tax rebate, Enhanced STAR, property tax deferral seniors #propertytax #seniors #homestead #seniorfreeze #retirement #homeowners #taxbreak #born1962 General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, amounts and deadlines are different in every state and county and can change; check with your county. Not affiliated with AARP or any government agency.