West Virginia · Property tax exemptions for seniors · Updated Oct 2026
West Virginia property tax exemptions for seniors (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for older homeowners in West Virginia that our guide lists: extra exemptions, freezes, deferrals and age-based credits. What each is worth, the starting age, the income limit, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for seniors in West Virginia is the Homestead Exemption (age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled). The first $20,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from property tax.
- Worth
- $20,000
- Age
- 65 or older
- Income limit
- None listed in our sources
- Deadline
- On or before December 1 following the July 1 assessment date; it applies to taxes for the…
Property tax breaks for seniors in West Virginia
SeniorsHomestead Exemption (age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled)
The first $20,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from property tax.
- Who qualifies
- You own the home and use it only as your residence, and you are 65 or older or certified permanently and totally disabled. You must have lived in West Virginia for the two calendar years before the tax year, and you cannot get a similar exemption in another state. Moving in with family or into a nursing home because of illness does not count as moving.
- How to apply
- File a claim with your county assessor, with a sworn statement that you do not get a similar exemption in another state. Bring proof of age (65+) or, for disability, one of: a West Virginia doctor's certification of permanent and total disability, a Social Security letter showing current permanent and total disability benefits, or another proof listed in the law.
- Deadline
- On or before December 1 following the July 1 assessment date; it applies to taxes for the next tax year. If you miss December 1, you lose the exemption for that tax year.
- Renewal
- One-time for seniors (refile only if you move). Disabled owners file once and sign a promise to tell the assessor within 30 days if they stop qualifying.
- Law
- W. Va. Code §11-6B-3; §11-6B-4
Source: official page
How to apply, step by step
- File a claim with your county assessor, with a sworn statement that you do not get a similar exemption in another state.
- Bring proof of age (65+) or, for disability, one of: a West Virginia doctor's certification of permanent and total disability, a Social Security letter showing current permanent and total disability benefits, or another proof listed in the law.
Deadline: On or before December 1 following the July 1 assessment date; it applies to taxes for the next tax year. If you miss December 1, you lose the exemption for that tax year.
Renewal: One-time for seniors (refile only if you move). Disabled owners file once and sign a promise to tell the assessor within 30 days if they stop qualifying.
Savings estimate for West Virginia
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for West Virginia
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for seniors: you own and live in the home, age 65. Change any answer to your own.
Document checklist for West Virginia
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 seniors property tax breaks in West Virginia
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for seniors in West Virginia?
Homestead Exemption (age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled): You own the home and use it only as your residence, and you are 65 or older or certified permanently and totally disabled. You must have lived in West Virginia for the two calendar years before the tax year, and you cannot get a similar exemption in another state.
Is there an income limit for seniors' property tax breaks in West Virginia?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for seniors to apply in West Virginia?
Homestead Exemption (age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled): On or before December 1 following the July 1 assessment date; it applies to taxes for the next tax year. If you miss December 1, you lose the exemption for that tax year.
Do seniors have to reapply every year in West Virginia?
Homestead Exemption (age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled): One-time for seniors (refile only if you move). Disabled owners file once and sign a promise to tell the assessor within 30 days if they stop qualifying.
Where do seniors apply for property tax breaks in West Virginia?
Your county assessor decides the homestead exemption; you apply at the assessor's office in the county where the home is. The income-tax credits (senior, excess property tax, disabled veteran) are claimed on your West Virginia personal income tax return with the State Tax Division. For the Homestead Exemption (age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled): File a claim with your county assessor, with a sworn statement that you do not get a similar exemption in another state.
SourcesLast checked: Oct 2026.