Senior property tax benefits vary enormously from state to state — the difference between the best and worst states can be tens of thousands of dollars per year. Here is a comprehensive comparison of what the five states in our database offer, followed by a broader look at national patterns.
Texas: The Most Generous Senior Benefits in the US
After Texas Proposition 11 (November 2025), Texas seniors now exempt $200,000 from school district taxes — $140,000 standard homestead exemption plus $60,000 additional for seniors 65+. Combined with the mandatory school tax freeze and no income limits, Texas offers the most valuable senior property tax benefits in the country. A Texas senior with a $400,000 home could save $4,000–$6,000 annually.
Florida: Homestead + Save Our Homes Cap
Florida's combination of the $50,000 homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes 3% annual cap is powerful for long-term residents. A senior who has owned their Florida home for 20 years may have an assessed value 40–50% below market. The additional senior exemption (income under $36,614) adds further savings in participating counties.
California: Proposition 13 Protection
California does not have a traditional senior exemption, but Prop 13's 2% annual cap on assessment increases is extraordinarily valuable over time. A senior who bought their California home in the 1990s is taxed on a fraction of current market value. Proposition 19 allows seniors 55+ to transfer their low assessed value to a new home anywhere in California.
New York: Enhanced STAR for School Taxes
New York's Enhanced STAR credit provides meaningful relief on school property taxes for seniors with income under $107,300. Stacked with the Senior Citizens Exemption (RP-467), qualifying seniors with income under ~$29,000 can see their assessed value cut by up to 50%.
Illinois: Multiple Programs, Annual Filing Required
Illinois offers several programs — the Senior Homestead Exemption (up to $8,000 off assessed value) and the Senior Assessment Freeze for incomes under $65,000 — but the Assessment Freeze requires annual reapplication. Illinois seniors need to be proactive to maintain their benefits.