Variations in Receipt of Benefit : No Variation in Receipt of Benefits
Eligible persons 65 years or older are allowed an exemption up to $5,000 of the assessed value of the property.
The exemption applies to county taxes with each county able to establish own eligibility requirements and expand the benefits. Municipalities may also adopt an exemption for municipal property taxes. The value of the exemption is set locally, with no cap established by the state.
Applicants must apply with the municipality where the property is located. Application deadlines vary by municipality.
Each of the three counties in the state have expanded the benefit amounts.
In addition, a waiver is provided for property taxes on a mobile home up to an assessed valuation determined by the county council.
This benefit may not be applied to ditch taxes and sewer taxes.
Applications must be filed annually in the county where the property is located. Consult county offices for application deadlines and any other requirements.
Exemption from assessed value
Only residential property is eligible for this program.
For the state program, eligible individuals are 65 years of age or more, own their home, and have an income which does not exceed $3,000 per year or $6,000 if married. Each of the three counties in the state have different income eligibility requirements and some have additional eligibility criteria.
The resident must have been legally domiciled in the state for at least 3 years to be eligible for the credit.
Counties also have defined income differently. Consult the county tax office where the property is located for more information.
This exemption cannot be in addition to any other exemption for which they may qualify.
To qualify, you must meet the requirements by September 1st of the year prior to the one in which you apply for the benefit.
Local option regarding program features
The governing bodies in each county will accept applications, assess each claim, and determine whether the exemption is approved and in what amount.
Counties may adopt their own eligibility requirements and benefits.
For mobile homes, the county will receive and review claims, and will issue an annual numbered waiver once verified.
The application deadline is determined by the taxing district.
Local government covers all of its tax loss
State statutes do not provide for state funding for local tax loss.
Local government is unable to exercise an option
Del. Code tit. 9, § 8131 ~ §8135;
Del. Code tit. 9, § 8141;
Del. Code tit. 9, § 8363;
Del. Code tit. 22 §1001-1005 (in effect for 2007)
New Castle County Office of Finance-Assessment Application for Real Estate or Mobile Home Exemption
[https://www.newcastlede.gov/2076/Seniors Accessed 07/18/2023]
www.lincolninst.edu/sites/default/files/gwipp/upload/sources/Delaware/2022/de_local_options_seniors_new_castle_county_de_-_official_website.pdf
CAT02 2023/07/18 CC OLD: na NEW: added local option and made local option record not active
CAT04 2023/07/18 CC OLD: na NEW: checked principal residence and other to account for tenure
7/18/23 cc combined local option with state program. Local option made not active; added check for principal residence and other
10/27/21 WP: Laws 2017, ch. 314,s 1, eff. 7/11/2018 amended 8131 to increase requirement for years domiciled in state from 3 years to 10 years.
Each county has its own program. See the following for county level information:
New Castle County: https://www.nccde.org/182/Tax-Exemptions
Sussex County: https://sussexcountyde.gov/tax-assistance-programs
Kent County: http://www.co.kent.de.us/media/694201/KCLC-Assessment-FAQs.pdf
