Tax Reduction Programs

Property Exemptions:

Exemptions decrease your assessment by a set amount. Multiply this amount by the tax rate to calculate your yearly savings. Once approved, an exemption is permanent till you move or sell your property. The total value of exemptions you receive shows up on the “Exemption” line on your tax bill.
Information on all exemptions is available here!

• Homestead Exemption – $25,000
  Available only on your primary residence. You must have owned the residence for at least a year on April 1st, or had a homestead exemption elsewhere in the State.
  CLICK HERE for a Homestead Exemption application.
• U.S. Veteran’s Exemption – $6,000
  Available for U.S. Veterans who served in an active wartime period, and are either a.) at least 62 tears old or b.) 100% disabled due to a service-related condition. Applicants must also provide a copy of the veteran’s DD214 form (discharge papers). Un-remarried widows/widowers of servicemen/servicewomen can receive an equivalent exemption.
  CLICK HERE for a Veteran’s Exemption application.
  CLICK HERE for a Widow/Widower’s Application.
• Blind Exemption – $4,000
  To receive a Blind Exemption, you must have been declared blind by a physician. Applicants must also provide a copy of a notice from the declaring physician.
  CLICK HERE for a Blind Exemption application.
  

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Current Use Programs:

These programs affect your Land value only. You choose specific, mapped parts of your property to enroll and the enrolled acreage is assessed at a lower than normal rate. Each program places restrictions on what you can do with your property and removing your property from these programs incurs a stiff monetary fine, so consider carefully before applying.
Information on all current use programs is available here!

• Tree Growth Program – minimum 10 acres
  For land used only for the production of forest products (e.g. lumber, chippage)
  CLICK HERE for a Tree Growth application
• Farmland Program – minimum 5 acres
  For land that is used to produce commercial agriculture products (e.g. vegetables, hay, blueberries)
  CLICK HERE for a Farmland application
• Open Space Program – no minimum acreage
  For land left in its natural state to be utilized for public benefit (e.g. hunting, wildlife habitat, walking trails)
  CLICK HERE for an Open Space application