Delaware Property Tax Relief: Exemptions & How to File
Delaware has 6 main property tax relief programs, administered through your County (New Castle/Kent/Sussex) Assessment Office. Filing is free.
Biggest benefit
100% of non-vocational school district property tax
Earliest common deadline
April 30
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Never pay to file a property tax exemption
Applying for a homestead, senior, veteran, or disability exemption is always free through your County (New Castle/Kent/Sussex) Assessment Office. You do not need a middleman, and no one can file it "faster" for a fee.
Be skeptical of official-looking letters offering to file your homestead exemption, "designate" your homestead, or send you a copy of your deed for $50–$200. These are private solicitations, not government notices. When in doubt, contact your County (New Castle/Kent/Sussex) Assessment Office directly using the phone number on your tax bill.
Delaware property tax relief programs
Amounts, eligibility, deadlines, and the official source for each program.
| Program | Benefit | Who qualifies | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior School Property Tax CreditSenior (65+) | 50% of regular school property taxes, up to $500 per year | Age 65+ · Domicile in Delaware required. Tiered: domicile established before Jan 1, 2013 eligible in the ensuing tax year; domicile established Jan 1, 2013–Dec 31, 2017 requires 3 consecutive years of domicile; domicile established on/after Jan 1, 2018 requires 10 consecutive years of domicile. Credit applies to the primary residence only, and prior year's property taxes must be paid in full. | April 30 | Official source ↗14 Del. C. § 1917(c)Application for Senior School Property Tax Credit ↗ |
| Disabled Veterans School Tax CreditVeteran | 100% of non-vocational school district property tax | Receive 100% disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs due to a service-connected, permanent and total disability based on individual unemployability, or hold a 100% disability rating from the USDVA. · Legally domiciled in Delaware for at least 3 consecutive years; credit applies to the primary residence only, and prior year's property taxes must be paid in full. | April 30 | Official source ↗14 Del. C. § 1917(d)Application for Disabled Veteran School Property Tax Credit ↗ |
| New Castle County Senior Citizen / Disability Property Tax ExemptionSenior (65+)Verify locally | Amount adjusted annually — confirm with your County (New Castle/Kent/Sussex) Assessment Office | Age 65+ · Disability-based exemption available as an alternative to the age-65 exemption; documentation of disability required. · Applicant must be a Delaware resident legally domiciled in the State for 10 consecutive years before July 1 (per county requirements); primary residence only. | June 1 | Official source ↗Over-65 Exemption Application / Disability Exemption Application ↗ |
| Sussex County Senior Citizen Real Property Tax ExemptionSenior (65+) | Exemption on assessed value up to $229,000 | Age 65+ · Income: Income not to exceed $6,000/year (single) or $7,500/year combined (married); Social Security benefits excluded from income · Must be 65 by June 30 of the current tax year and a full-time Sussex County resident for the preceding 5 years; must own and occupy the dwelling. | April 30 | Official source ↗Sussex County Code, Ch. 88, Art. II (Real Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens)Disability / Over 65 Exemption Application ↗ |
| Sussex County Disabled Persons Real Property Tax ExemptionDisability | Exemption on assessed value up to $229,000 | Must be totally disabled and provide documentation of the disability. · Income: Income not to exceed $6,000/year (single) or $7,500/year combined (married); Social Security benefits excluded from income · Full-time Sussex County resident for the preceding 5 years; must own and occupy the dwelling. | April 30 | Official source ↗Sussex County Code, Ch. 88 (Real Property Tax Exemption)Disability / Over 65 Exemption Application ↗ |
| Kent County Elderly / Disabled Property Owner ExemptionSenior (65+) | Exemption from all real property taxes on the first $100,000 of assessed value | Age 65+ · Alternative to the age-65 requirement: must be totally disabled as defined by Social Security disability or documented by certified government award letters. · Income: Adjusted gross annual income not to exceed $18,000 (single) or $24,750 (applicant and spouse); an additional $3,100 allowed per dependent the applicant solely supports · Principal residence in Delaware for the 5 years immediately preceding the tax year; the dwelling must be the applicant's principal residence at application and for the 12 months immediately preceding the tax year. | April 30 | Official source ↗Kent County Code, Art. I (Disabled Property Owner and Senior Citizen Exemption)Kent County Levy Court Elderly/Disability Tax Exemption Application ↗ |
For veterans
In most states a higher VA disability rating unlocks a larger — often total — property tax exemption.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
VA Claims Academy
A 100% VA disability rating unlocks full property tax exemptions in most states. VA Claims Academy helps veterans pursue the rating increases they may be owed.
Visit VA Claims Academy →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
For seniors
Planning ahead protects your exemption and your home.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
CareSifter — Find trusted senior care
Property tax relief is one piece of aging in place affordably. CareSifter helps families compare in-home care, assisted living, and senior services.
Explore CareSifter →*Trust & Will — Estate planning made simple
Keeping a homestead exemption in the family often depends on how the home is titled. Trust & Will makes wills, trusts, and transfer-on-death deeds affordable and online.
Start with Trust & Will →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
Delaware property tax relief FAQ
What property tax exemptions are available in Delaware?
Delaware offers 6 main property tax relief programs: Senior School Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit, New Castle County Senior Citizen / Disability Property Tax Exemption, Sussex County Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Exemption, Sussex County Disabled Persons Real Property Tax Exemption, Kent County Elderly / Disabled Property Owner Exemption. Each is administered through your County (New Castle/Kent/Sussex) Assessment Office.
How do I apply for a property tax exemption in Delaware?
You apply through your County (New Castle/Kent/Sussex) Assessment Office — for free. Most exemptions require a one-time application by the deadline; check each program for its form and cutoff date. You never need to pay a third party to file.
Is filing for a Delaware property tax exemption free?
Yes. Filing is always free through your County (New Castle/Kent/Sussex) Assessment Office. Letters offering to file your homestead exemption for a fee are private solicitations, not government notices.
Compare Delaware to other states by relief type
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