Apply for a Poverty Property Tax Exemption

1. Check your eligibility

You could qualify for the poverty exemption if you:

• Live in the home you own (commonly referred to as your homestead) and have a valid Principal Residence Exemption on file
• Meet the Asset Level test. The items you own in your home and your other assets can't be worth more than $9,642 (for 2026)
• Meet the federal poverty income standards identified in our Poverty Exemption Guidelines linked above.

2. Gather your documentation

You'll need to file for this exemption every year. You can file for the current tax year starting January 1st, and up until the Board of Review concludes in December. It's good idea to pick a month before December and make a reminder for yourself to file every year. You'll need to include the following documents with your application:

• A copy of your valid driver's license or other form of ID, for everyone living in the household over age 16
• A deed, land contract, or other ownership document for the property
• Income verification. This includes, but is not limited to the following: Social Security income, employment income, disability income, cash assistance, documentation of rental income, child support, alimony, food assistance and all other sources of income, for everyone living in the household over age 16
• Federal, State and Local income tax returns from the current or previous year for everyone that lives in the home. Include any property tax credit forms you have
• Current bank/credit union statement for all checking, savings and money market accounts
• Titles/registrations for any vehicles registered in your name, including cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, boats, farm equipment, trailers, motorcycles, campers, etc.
• If someone living in the home did not have to file federal or state income tax returns, they need to sign and submit this affidavit with the application

3. Complete the application