Why this matters
Exemptions are not discounts applied at the cashier. They are formal legal carve-outs written into state tax code — and they require a form. A single missing homestead exemption can cost a typical homeowner $400–$1,200 every year for as long as they live in the house. Over a decade, that's $4,000 to $12,000 of preventable overpayment.
The four most valuable exemptions for homeowners are the homestead, senior, veteran, and disability exemptions. Most homeowners qualify for at least one. A meaningful share qualify for two or three — and rarely claim more than one.
The four exemptions worth checking
Homestead Exemption
Primary-residence owners
The most common exemption. Reduces the taxable value of your home if you live in it as your primary residence. Savings typically range from $300 to $1,500 per year depending on state and assessment. Florida offers up to $50,000; Texas offers $100,000 on school taxes.
How to check eligibility: Check your county assessor's website for a 'homestead exemption' form. You must own the property and use it as your primary residence as of Jan 1 (in most states). Most counties require a one-time application — once approved, it renews automatically.
Senior Exemption
Homeowners 65+
Additional reduction for homeowners over a certain age (usually 65). Some states also tie it to income. Georgia offers a full school-tax exemption for qualifying seniors; Florida adds another $50,000 homestead amount; Texas freezes your school taxes at the amount you paid the year you turned 65.
How to check eligibility: Eligibility depends on age and, in many cases, household income (often under $30,000–$65,000). Apply through your county assessor, usually with a copy of your driver's license and prior-year tax return.
Veteran Exemption
Veterans and surviving spouses
Separate reductions for honorably discharged veterans and, in most states, a larger or complete exemption for service-connected disabled veterans. In Florida, a 100% disabled veteran pays no property tax on their homestead. Texas offers a full exemption for 100% disabled veterans and a partial exemption for all qualifying vets.
How to check eligibility: You'll need your DD-214 discharge paperwork and, for disability tiers, your VA disability rating letter. Surviving spouses often qualify to continue the exemption if they don't remarry.
Disability Exemption
Homeowners with qualifying disabilities
Reduces taxable value for homeowners with a documented permanent disability. Eligibility and amounts vary by state — Florida offers a full exemption for total and permanent disability; many states offer a fixed reduction ($5,000–$50,000 of assessed value).
How to check eligibility: Requires documentation from a physician or the Social Security Administration. Some states also require a sworn affidavit. File once with your county assessor; in most states it renews automatically.
How Fairmark auto-files them for you
When you run a Fairmark analysis, we cross-reference your property record, the owner's age and occupancy data where available, and any veteran or disability documentation you provide against every exemption available in your state and county.
If you qualify for any exemption you aren't already receiving, Fairmark Complete fills out the form, gathers the required documentation, and submits it to your county on your behalf — no forms to print, no trip to the assessor's office. You'll get confirmation when it's filed and again when it's approved. The savings then apply for every year you remain eligible.
Not sure which exemptions you qualify for?
Run a free Fairmark check — we'll flag every exemption your address is eligible for and auto-file them with Fairmark Complete.
Quick checklist
- Do you live in the home as your primary residence? (Homestead)
- Are you or your spouse 65 or older? (Senior)
- Have you or your spouse served in the US armed forces? (Veteran)
- Do you or a household member have a permanent disability? (Disability)
Answer yes to any of these and there's a good chance you're leaving money on the table.