Alaska · Property tax exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Alaska property tax exemptions
Homestead, senior, veteran, disability and surviving-spouse breaks in Alaska: what each one is worth, who qualifies, how to apply and the deadline, in plain English.
Set locallyhomestead exemption
Yessenior break
$150,000disabled veterans
Set locallyhomestead deadline
1.11%median tax rate
Exemptions by group
Every break for one group on one page, with step-by-step instructions and the tools set for that group.
Military Service Widow/Widower Exemption - local option, Senior Citizen Exemption, Disabled Veteran Exemption
Where to apply in Alaska
Alaska has no state property tax. Only boroughs and cities that levy a property tax have one, and their assessor decides exemptions. You apply to the borough or city assessor where your home is (for example, Municipality of Anchorage Property Appraisal).
Some amounts depend on where you live. In Alaska, some of these breaks or their amounts are set or adjusted by your county, city or town, as each exemption below explains. Ask your local assessor for the figure that applies to your home.
Property tax exemptions in Alaska
Seniors
Senior Citizen Exemption
The first $150,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from borough and city property tax. State law requires every taxing borough and city to give it. A borough or city may also give more than $150,000 in case of hardship (under state rules, when your tax bill is more than 2% of your household's gross income); ask your assessor.
Who qualifies
You are 65 or older before January 1 of the tax year, you own the home and it is your primary residence and permanent place of abode, and you lived in Alaska for the whole previous year. After the first year you must live in the home at least 185 days a year and not rent it out when you are away. A widow or widower of someone who got this exemption qualifies at age 60. Only one exemption per home.
How to apply
Send a written application to your borough or city assessor. In Anchorage: '2027 Senior Citizen Exemption Application/Annual Certification', by mail (P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519), in person (632 W. 6th Ave., Suite 300), by email ([email protected]) or online. Bring proof of age (Alaska driver's license or state ID, birth certificate, passport, DD-214 or a Social Security letter). Widows and widowers bring marriage and death certificates. If the home is in a trust, bring a certification of trust.
Set locally. State rule: January 15 of the tax year unless your borough or city sets a different date by ordinance; late filers must attach an affidavit giving the reason (3 AAC 135.040(a); AS 29.45.030(f)). Anchorage: received or postmarked by March 15 of the tax year (late filing only for a serious medical condition). Other boroughs use their own dates, so check with your assessor.
Renewal
In Anchorage you do not need to reapply each year if nothing changes (ownership, residency, use). You must tell the assessor of any change.
Law
AS 29.45.030(e)-(i); Anchorage Municipal Code 12.15.015; 3 AAC 135.040
The first $150,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from borough and city property tax.
Who qualifies
A veteran separated under conditions that were not dishonorable, who is an Alaska resident and has a service-connected disability rated 50% or more (rating effective before January 1 of the tax year). The home must be your primary residence; same residency and 185-day rules as the senior exemption. A widow or widower of a veteran who got the exemption may qualify at age 60.
How to apply
Send a written application to your borough or city assessor. In Anchorage use the '2027 Disabled Veteran Exemption Application/Annual Certification' and attach a VA benefits summary letter dated within one year showing a 50%+ service-connected rating, its effective date and your discharge date.
Set locally. State rule: January 15 of the tax year unless your borough or city sets a different date by ordinance; late filers must attach an affidavit giving the reason (3 AAC 135.040(a); AS 29.45.030(f)). Anchorage: March 15 of the tax year. If your final VA rating comes after the deadline, Anchorage accepts the application within 30 days after you receive the rating.
Renewal
No yearly reapplication in Anchorage if nothing changes; the assessor may ask for proof at any time.
Law
AS 29.45.030(e)-(i); Anchorage Municipal Code 12.15.015; 3 AAC 135.040
Military Service Widow/Widower Exemption - local option
Only where your borough or city has adopted it. Anchorage: up to $150,000 of the home's assessed value is exempt.
Who qualifies
The surviving spouse of a person who died during U.S. military service (under conditions that were not dishonorable) before January 1 of the tax year. You own and live in the home as your primary residence, lived in Alaska the whole previous year, and after that live there at least 185 days a year. The exemption ends on January 1 after you remarry.
How to apply
Apply to your borough or city assessor. In Anchorage use the '2027 Military Service Widow and Widower Exemption Application' (mail, in person, email or online).
Only where your borough or city has adopted it. Anchorage: 40% of the assessed value of your owner-occupied home, up to $75,000 of assessed value.
Who qualifies
You own the home before January 1 and it is your primary residence and permanent place of abode; you lived in Alaska the whole previous year; after the first year you live there at least 185 days a year and do not rent it out when away. You cannot have this exemption on another property.
How to apply
Apply to your borough or city assessor. In Anchorage use the '2027 Residential Property Tax Exemption Application'. If you apply for the Senior or Disabled Veteran exemption in Anchorage, you are automatically applying for this one too.
No. Anchorage states exemptions do not transfer: if you buy a new home you must apply again for it.
Good to know in Alaska
Alaska has no statewide property tax; whether you pay property tax at all depends on whether your borough or city levies one.
The $150,000 senior and disabled veteran exemption is required by state law in every taxing borough and city; the residential exemption is optional and varies (Anchorage gives 40% up to $75,000).
In Anchorage, a senior or disabled veteran application automatically counts as an application for the residential exemption too.
Savings estimate for Alaska
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Alaska
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Alaska
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about property tax exemptions in Alaska
Is there a homestead exemption in Alaska?
Yes: the Residential (Homeowner) Exemption - local option. Only where your borough or city has adopted it. Anchorage: 40% of the assessed value of your owner-occupied home, up to $75,000 of assessed value. Who qualifies: You own the home before January 1 and it is your primary residence and permanent place of abode; you lived in Alaska the whole previous year; after the first year you live there at least 185 days a year and do not rent it out when away. You cannot have this exemption on another property.
When is the deadline to apply for the homestead exemption in Alaska?
Anchorage: received or postmarked by March 15 of the tax year.
Do I have to reapply for the homestead exemption every year in Alaska?
No yearly reapplication in Anchorage if nothing changes; exemptions do not move with you to a new home.
Are there property tax breaks for seniors in Alaska?
Senior Citizen Exemption: The first $150,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from borough and city property tax. State law requires every taxing borough and city to give it. A borough or city may also give more than $150,000 in case of hardship (under state rules, when your tax bill is more than 2% of your household's gross income); ask your assessor.
Do disabled veterans get a property tax exemption in Alaska?
Disabled Veteran Exemption: The first $150,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from borough and city property tax.
Can I move my exemption to a new home in Alaska?
No. Anchorage states exemptions do not transfer: if you buy a new home you must apply again for it.
Where do I apply for property tax exemptions in Alaska?
Alaska has no state property tax. Only boroughs and cities that levy a property tax have one, and their assessor decides exemptions. You apply to the borough or city assessor where your home is (for example, Municipality of Anchorage Property Appraisal).
Think your home’s assessed value is too high? An exemption and an appeal are separate: you can do both.
Median effective tax rate: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25103 (median real estate taxes paid, owner-occupied homes) and B25077 (median value, owner-occupied homes). The rate is the median tax paid divided by the median home value.