VT · No general homestead exemption
Vermont homestead exemption
Vermont has no flat homestead exemption; instead, filing a yearly Homestead Declaration gets your home taxed at the homestead education tax rate.
- Main exemption
- No general exemption
- Filing deadline
- April 15
- Own and live there by
- April 1
- Renewal
- Must reapply
- Where to file
- Vermont Department of Taxes (myVTax or mail)
Vermont has no flat homestead exemption; instead, filing a yearly Homestead Declaration gets your home taxed at the homestead education tax rate. Homeowners with 2025 household income under $115,400 can also claim a property tax credit of up to $5,600 on the education tax and $2,400 on the municipal tax. Both are due April 15, 2026, on Form HS-122.
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How much the Vermont exemption is worth
Vermont has no general homestead exemption for all homeowners. The relief that does exist is described below.
Who qualifies
- Homestead Declaration: owners whose home meets the definition of a Vermont homestead must file every year.
- Property tax credit: domiciled in Vermont all year, not claimed as a dependent, owned and occupied the home as of April 1, and household income under the limit ($115,400 for 2025).
Deadline and renewal
File Form HS-122 by April 15, 2026, even if you extend your income tax return. The final date accepted is October 15, 2026; after that the property is classified as nonhomestead.
The Homestead Declaration must be filed annually.
If you missed the deadline
After April 15, your town may charge up to a 3% penalty if the nonhomestead rate is higher than the homestead rate, or up to 8% if it is lower. After October 15, the property is taxed as nonhomestead with penalty and interest. Source.
Form: Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit Claim (HS-122) · open the official form
Extra breaks for seniors, veterans and disabled owners
| Who | Program | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans | Disabled veteran exemption | $10,000 off assessed value | Lowers the home's value by $10,000, or more depending on the town, for veterans with a VA disability rating of at least 50% who also receive qualifying disability income or pension. Send the VA benefits letter and form to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs by May 1. Source |
| Surviving spouses | Surviving spouse of a disabled veteran | $10,000 off assessed value | Spouses, surviving spouses and dependents of a qualifying veteran can also apply. Source |
| Other | Property tax credit | $5,600 tax credit | Income-based state payment toward property taxes: up to $5,600 on the state education tax and $2,400 on the municipal tax. The 2025 household income limit is $115,400; file Schedule HI-144 with HS-122. Source |
Law: 32 V.S.A. §5410
Vermont county guides
County guides for Vermont are not published yet. File with: Vermont Department of Taxes (myVTax or mail).
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to file the Homestead Declaration every year?
Yes. It is due annually by April 15, even if you are not required to file an income tax return.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Your town may add a penalty of up to 3% or 8%. After October 15, the home is taxed at the nonhomestead rate.
Who gets the property tax credit?
Vermont homeowners with 2025 household income under $115,400 who filed a Homestead Declaration.
Sources
- Homestead Declaration · Vermont Department of Taxes
- Property Tax Credit · Vermont Department of Taxes
- FS-1003 Property Tax Assistance for Veterans · Vermont Department of Taxes
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