6 States That Will Allow Older Residents To Work Off Property Taxes

As a savvy homeowner, you're always looking for ways to save money, from keeping up on routine maintenance to minimizing energy expenses.

But in a few states, seniors have access to one of the best homeowner money moves for retirees who want to keep more cash in their wallets: they can work or volunteer to offset their property tax burden.

Keep reading to learn more about how these programs work, which benefits they offer, and how you can take advantage of them if you live in one of the six states where they're available.

In Colorado, state law allows local tax entities to create a work-off program that helps homeowners aged 60 and older pay their property taxes. Although not all counties, cities, or municipalities have taken advantage of this option, seniors can still benefit from fiscal incentives in areas that have.

For instance, in Pueblo County, qualifying seniors can have a portion of their property tax debt forgiven when they volunteer at county-approved nonprofits, including the local USDA Food Distribution Program. You must apply to the program each spring, and only a limited number of seniors qualify each year. If you don't make the list the first time, you'll be placed on a waitlist and may qualify later in the year.

In Saco, Maine, homeowners who are at least 60 years old and earn under $46,200 (for a two-person household) per year can apply for the city's tax work-off programs. You can volunteer for up to 75 hours to earn a $750-per-year credit. Some Saco volunteers end up working at schools, many work as station hosts at the local train station, while others help around the tax collector's office and clerk's office.

The state itself is also looking at broader property tax credits that can keep tax burdens manageable for Maine residents, kicking off a two-year property tax study in which a dedicated tax force will look into Maine's current tax system, identify its key problems, figure out which homeowners are most impacted by high taxes, and propose solutions.

Multiple towns and cities in Massachusetts allow residents aged 60 or 65 and older to volunteer for their local government in exchange for a property tax credit.

For example, in Northampton, seniors can work up to 133.33 hours at $15 an hour, earning as much as $2,000 off their tax bill. Other communities like Beverly and Middleton offer similar programs with credits typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.

The work can include clerical tasks, library support, or other community service roles, making it accessible for many older adults.

Pennsylvania's Avon Grove School District provides a route for homeowners 60+ to receive up to $500 per year in property tax rebates. Volunteers earn a credit worth $10 per hour (for up to 50 hours) by working at local schools as tutors, hall monitors, office workers, cafeteria workers, or student aides. Volunteers with health and interests might also help with light gardening.

The state also offers a property tax rebate program for households with individuals age 65+ who earn below $48,110 per year. Applications are still required, but you don't have to work or volunteer to qualify for up to $1,000 off your property taxes.

In Dorchester County, South Carolina, the Senior Citizens Tax Work-Off Program enables individuals 60 and older to work off property tax debt by lending their skills to the county government.

Individuals who apply and qualify for the program will be compensated at $7.25 per hour until they earn an amount equal to the portion of the property tax bill designated for County Operating, County Debt, and Capital Improvements.

In Kitsap County, the Central Kitsap School District allows seniors to volunteer to offset their local school property taxes by $430, lowering their bill by $599 in the first year.

Applicants to the program must meet the following criteria: receive Social Security or retirement income, earn between $35,000 and $65,000 annually, and commit to volunteering with the school district for at least 20 hours per year. You must be at least 62 years old and may apply to the program each year.

Taking advantage of discounts for seniors that are specific to a state or city is one of the best ways you can protect your home budget and keep more money in your wallet.

Even if your state doesn't offer senior property tax breaks, you might want to check for any regional, state, or local senior discounts, for instance, on energy costs. Resources like your local library and state government websites are the perfect place to get started.