Delaware Property Tax 2026: $1,000 Senior School Credit and Elderly Homestead

Delaware has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the U.S. (approximately 0.55 percent). The Senior School Property Tax Credit was increased from $500 to $1,000 for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, joining the Elderly Homestead Exemption that removes up to $173,000 from county assessed value. This 2026 guide walks through both.

How Delaware Property Tax Works

Delaware property tax is administered by 3 counties (New Castle, Kent, Sussex) plus municipalities. The state has no state-level property tax.

The tax calculation

Senior School Property Tax Credit (Expanded 2026)

The Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit is the primary state-level relief for age 65+ homeowners. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, the maximum credit doubled from $500 to $1,000.

Eligibility

• Age 65 or older
• Delaware resident
• Own and occupy primary residence
• Paid property tax in full by end of each tax year to qualify for next year's credit

Calculation

50% of school property taxes (up to $1,000 maximum). Local school boards retain authority over implementation — some school districts authorize full $1,000, others may authorize less.

Application

File with your county's Office of Finance. Deadline: April 30 for the tax year.

Elderly Homestead Exemption

Separate from the Senior School Credit, the Elderly Homestead Exemption removes a substantial amount from the total assessed value for county tax purposes.

Eligibility for 2026

• Age 65 or older before July 1 of the fiscal year
• Delaware resident for at least 10 consecutive years before July 1, 2026
• Primary residence

Benefit

Maximum reduction of $173,000 in total assessed value for county tax purposes.

Application

File with the county Office of Finance. One-time application; continues automatically.

Veterans and Disability

Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption

Delaware counties offer exemptions for disabled veterans, with amounts varying. 100% service-connected disabled veterans typically receive full or near-full exemption on the primary residence.

Disability Exemption

County-administered exemption for totally disabled residents, often combined with the senior or homestead programs.

Appealing Your Assessment

Delaware appeals are handled at the county level, with distinct deadlines for each of the three counties.

Step 1: Informal review with county assessor

Contact the Office of Finance for your county.

Step 2: County Board of Assessment

File appeal within the statutory window (typically 30 days from notice).

Step 3: Superior Court

Board decisions appealable to Superior Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delaware's Senior School Property Tax Credit in 2026?

The maximum credit was increased from $500 to $1,000 for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Age 65+ Delaware residents who have paid their prior year's property tax in full qualify. The credit equals 50% of school property taxes up to the cap. Application deadline: April 30. Local school boards retain authority over the specific credit amount they authorize.

What is the Delaware Elderly Homestead Exemption?

Up to $173,000 reduction in total assessed value for county tax purposes, available to age 65+ Delaware residents who have been domiciled in Delaware for at least 10 consecutive years before July 1, 2026. Apply with your county's Office of Finance.

When is the Delaware property tax appeal deadline?

Varies by county, typically within 30 days of the assessment notice. File with the county Board of Assessment. Appeals from the Board go to Superior Court. Contact the Office of Finance for your county (New Castle, Kent, or Sussex) for specific deadlines.