Alaska Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption for older homeowners

What this program is, in plain English

Alaska offers property tax relief to older homeowners through some combination of a homestead exemption, a senior freeze that locks the assessed value, a circuit breaker credit tied to income, and a deferral that postpones the bill until the home is sold. Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development / local municipalities sets the rules, but almost all of these are filed with your county assessor or treasurer, not with the state. Deadlines are once a year and missing one usually costs you the whole year, so call the county assessor and ask which relief you qualify for and when the form is due. A deferral is a loan against the house, not a discount, so ask what interest is charged before you sign. State law requires municipalities to exempt a portion of the assessed value of a senior's primary residence from property tax; seniors apply through their local municipality/borough assessor.

Who qualifies

• You are 60 or older.
• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm

What to have ready

• Photo ID showing the address of the home you live in
• Proof of age, such as a driver's license or birth certificate
• Last year's property tax bill
• Proof of income for everyone who owns or lives in the home
• The deed or proof that you own and occupy the home

How to apply

This program is run by Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development / local municipalities. Processing times vary by state.