Homeowners and renters are missing out on millions of dollars in tax relief. Use the resources below to learn more.
Alabama
You may be eligible to receive money back
Alabama Program Overview
Property Tax-Aide features the Regular Homestead Exemption, Homestead Exemptions for Persons over 65, Blind, or Retired Due to Disability, and Homestead Exemption for Permanently or Totally Disabled Homeowners. All of the exemptions named below are available on primary residence only, which can not exceed 160 acres. Some counties, municipalities, or other taxing authority may grant a Homestead Exemption up to $4,000 in assessed value. Each applicant must apply for Homestead Exemptions at their local county office.
Regular Homestead Exemption
This exemption allows property owners under the age 65 and who are not disabled to deduct up to $4,000.00 in state tax and $2,000.00 in county tax from the total assessed value of the property.
Eligibility
- Under 65
- Homestead must be occupied by person(s) whose name appears on the deed
- Must live in the house on October 1st of the year claimed
- Must file exemption claim/validation only once (before December 31st of the year purchased)
Application Deadline
The filing season to apply for a Homestead Exemption is October 1 – December 31
Required Documentation
Each local county office may require different documentation, but in general, be prepared to provide the following for Proof of Occupancy
- Drivers License for all owners
- Address on driver’s license must match the property address and be issued on or before October 1
- Utility Bills for all owners
- Copy of Deed with correct address, legal description, and names
Contact Details
Visit the local county offices page on the Alabama Department of Revenue website and locate your local taxing authority to learn how to apply for the Homestead Exemption in your area.
Homestead Exemptions for Persons over 65, Blind, or Retired Due to Disability
Taxpayers age 65 and older with an annual adjusted gross income of less than $12,000 as reflected on the most recent state income tax return or some other appropriate evidence, OR who are retired due to permanent and total disability (regardless of age)–exempt from all of the state portion of the property taxes and $5,000 of assessed value on the county portion of the ad valorem taxes, including school district ad valorem taxes.
Eligibility
For 65+ or Blind Exemptions:
- You must be 65 years old or older
- Own and occupy the property as your primary residence
- Your taxable income, as indicated on your most recent State Income Tax Return (taxpayer and spouse combined) cannot exceed $12,000
- This is also for a taxpayer who is legally blind 20/200
For 65+ or Retired Due to Disability Exemptions:
- You must be 65 years old or older
- Own and occupy the property as your primary residence
- Your taxable income, as indicated on your most recent Federal Income Tax Return (taxpayer and spouse combined) cannot exceed $12,000
- This exemption also applies to taxpayers who are retired due to permanent and total disability (unable to work), regardless of age
Taxpayers age 65 and older with income greater than $12,000 on their most recent Alabama Income Tax Return are exempt from all of the state portion of the ad valorem taxes and receive the regular homestead exemption ($2,000 assessed value) on county taxes. To qualify:
- You must be 65 years old or older
- Your Adjusted Gross Income is greater than $12,000 on your most recent State Income Tax Return (taxpayer & spouse combined)
- You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence
Application Deadline
The filing season to apply for a Homestead Exemption is October 1 – December 31
Required Documentation
Be prepared to provide the following:
- Proof of age
- Proof of occupancy
- Federal Income Tax Return (for 65+ or retired based on disability)
- State Income Tax Return (for 65+ or blind)
In order to qualify for individuals who are retired due to being totally and permanently disabled you must furnish one letter from the following sources to show proof of disability:
- One letter from the Social Security Administration (Letter must state that the claimant is receiving Retirement Disability Benefits) Or One letter showing that they are drawing a pension or annuity from the Armed Services or a Company or governmental agency because they are retired due to being totally and permanently disabled.
- OR
- Two letters from two different Licensed Physicians (Stating claimant is retired due to being totally and permanently disabled.
For a Blind Exemption:
- One letter is required from a duly licensed Ophthalmologist or Optometrist (letter must state a vision of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting glasses)
Contact Details
Visit the local county offices page on the Alabama Department of Revenue website and locate your local taxing authority to learn how to apply for the Homestead Exemption in your area.
Homestead Exemption (Permanently or Totally Disabled)
These homeowners are exempt from all ad valorem taxes. There is no age or income limitation
Eligibility
- Own and occupy property as primary residence
- Must be permanently or totally disabled
Application Deadline
The filing season to apply for a Homestead Exemption is October 1 – December 31
Required Documentation
Be prepared to provide:
- Copy of Alabama Drivers License
- Proof of occupancy
- Disability status must be evidenced by at least 2 medical documents explaining nature of disability or a copy of the original letter of award from Social Security or the Veterans Administration. Documents must state the month & year that disability began
Contact Details
Visit the local county offices page on the Alabama Department of Revenue website and locate your local taxing authority to learn how to apply for the Homestead Exemption in your area.
Your Resources
Your state accepts digital and mailed applications
Property Tax-Aide has independently selected the property tax relief programs featured on this website that we think are the most relevant and beneficial to older adults. It is not an exhaustive list of all property tax relief programs available in each state. Please consult your local tax agency for a comprehensive listing of property tax relief programs in your area.