Delaware Property Tax Exemptions 2026: Homestead, Senior, Veteran & Disability

Delaware (DE) homeowners have several ways to legally reduce their property tax bill — homestead reductions, senior credits, veteran exemptions, and disability programs. This page lists every Delaware property tax exemption available in 2026, who qualifies, dollar amounts, and how to apply.

All Delaware property tax exemptions at a glance

Exemption	Who qualifies	Benefit	Typical savings
Homestead (general)	Owner-occupied primary residence	~$1,000 value reduction	$5/yr est.
Senior / Age 65+	Owner-occupied; age 65+; often income-capped	Additional reduction or freeze	$200 – $2,000/yr
Disabled veteran	Service-connected disability rating	Up to 100% exemption in many states	$1,000 – full bill
Disability (non-veteran)	Permanent total disability	Reduction + sometimes freeze	$200 – $1,500/yr
Surviving spouse	Of veteran, first responder, or senior	Continuation of decedent's exemption	Same as deceased's benefit
Agricultural / farm	Active agricultural use	Use-value assessment instead of market	30% – 80% lower bill

Estimated savings use Delaware's effective property tax rate of 0.53% on the median home value of $326,800. Your actual savings depend on your county assessor's millage and how exemptions are applied to assessed (vs. market) value.

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.

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.