The Homestead Exemption in Vermont
Who qualifies for the Vermont homestead property tax exemption, how much it saves, and how and when to apply.
Short answer: Vermont's owner-occupied relief works through the Homestead Declaration and the Property Tax Credit. All property pays education property tax classified as homestead or nonhomestead, taxed at different education rates. Vermont Department of Taxes, Homestead Declaration; Form HS-122 Instructions (2026)
| Homestead exemption | Vermont's owner-occupied relief works through the Homestead Declaration and the Property Tax Credit. All property pays education property tax classified as homestead or nonhomestead, taxed at different education rates. A Vermont resident who owns and occupies a home as their domicile (the principal dwelling and surrounding parcel) on April 1 must file a Homestead Declaration each year so it is taxed at the homestead rate. Homeowners with household income at or below $115,400 can also claim the income-based Property Tax Credit (maximum $8,000 for 2026). Credit: https://tax.vermont.gov/instructions/form-HS-122 |
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| How to apply | File Form HS-122 (Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit Claim) every year, online through myVTax or on paper with the Vermont Department of Taxes; a credit claim also requires Schedule HI-144 (household income). There is no automatic renewal. Mailing: https://tax.vermont.gov/sites/tax/files/documents/FS-1003.pdf |
| Application deadline | The Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit claim are due April 15, 2026. A declaration filed late may draw a town penalty of up to 3% (if the nonhomestead rate is higher) or up to 8% (if it is lower); declarations filed after October 15, 2026 are classified nonhomestead, and credit claims filed after October 15, 2026 generally cannot be accepted. The veterans exemption deadline is May 1. Veterans deadline: https://tax.vermont.gov/lister-assessor/2026-lister-calendar |
More Vermont property tax & homestead exemptions
- Senior, Veteran and Disability Property Tax Relief in Vermont
- Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment in Vermont
- All Vermont property tax & homestead exemptions rules
FAQ
What is the homestead exemption in Vermont?
Vermont's owner-occupied relief works through the Homestead Declaration and the Property Tax Credit. All property pays education property tax classified as homestead or nonhomestead, taxed at different education rates. A Vermont resident who owns and occupies a home as their domicile (the principal dwelling and surrounding parcel) on April 1 must file a Homestead Declaration each year so it is taxed at the homestead rate. Homeowners with household income at or below $115,400 can also claim the income-based Property Tax Credit (maximum $8,000 for 2026).
How do you apply for a homestead exemption in Vermont?
File Form HS-122 (Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit Claim) every year, online through myVTax or on paper with the Vermont Department of Taxes; a credit claim also requires Schedule HI-144 (household income). There is no automatic renewal.
When is the deadline to apply for a homestead exemption in Vermont?
The Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit claim are due April 15, 2026. A declaration filed late may draw a town penalty of up to 3% (if the nonhomestead rate is higher) or up to 8% (if it is lower); declarations filed after October 15, 2026 are classified nonhomestead, and credit claims filed after October 15, 2026 generally cannot be accepted. The veterans exemption deadline is May 1.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.