Can States Save Seniors? Fighting the Rising Costs of Property Taxes

Property taxes are a significant financial burden for many Americans, particularly senior citizens. Rising property taxes have begun to jeopardize the financial stability of older adults living on fixed incomes. In response, some states are implementing reforms and rebate programs to alleviate this burden, while others are considering eliminating property taxes altogether. 

Here, we explore the impact of property taxes on senior citizens, diving into various state programs aimed at providing relief and examining the potential fiscal consequences of abolishing property taxes.

Property Tax Relief Programs for Seniors

In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro's administration has rolled out a Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (PTRR) to help older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities. As part of this program, $266 million in rebates for property taxes and rent paid in 2023 will be distributed to approximately 442,000 eligible residents starting July 1, 2024. According to CBS News Philadelphia, the Governor’s program was expanded to include 175,000 new beneficiaries, addressing the financial concerns of seniors across the state. 

“After hearing from seniors across the Commonwealth that we needed to do more to cut costs and put money back in their pockets, my Administration put in the hard work to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for the first time in nearly 20 years,” said Shapiro.

Similarly, Washington State has modified its long-standing property tax break program for older homeowners and people with disabilities. The income limit for eligibility has been increased by 44%, making more Washingtonians eligible. In King County, a Seattle Times report notes, the income cap has been raised to $84,000. 

Christina Clem, spokesperson for AARP Washington, explained just how significant this program is, saying, “Even if you have your home paid off, if you can’t afford the property taxes, that’s a problem.” The expansion of this program has resulted in a surge of applications, with King County receiving nearly 6,600 applications so far this year, surpassing the total for the entirety of 2023.

The Fiscal Impact of Abolishing Property Taxes

Some states are contemplating the abolition of property taxes altogether. While this idea might provide immediate relief to homeowners, especially seniors, it poses major fiscal challenges in the long run. Property taxes are a primary source of revenue for most local governments nationwide, funding essential services such as education, public safety, and infrastructure. Eliminating property taxes would necessitate finding alternative revenue sources to maintain these services.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has proposed a temporary adjustment to the city's residential-to-commercial property tax ratio to address the potential decline in office property values due to remote work and high interest rates. Without this adjustment, homeowners could face a 33% increase in property taxes. Wu’s plan would result in a smaller increase for homeowners (9%) and a slight decrease for older commercial properties (8%). However, this plan has been controversial and faces legislative hurdles. If it fails, the financial burden on homeowners, especially in areas like the Back Bay with high property values, could be substantial.

The Broader Impact on State and Local Budgets

The prospect of abolishing property taxes raises concerns about the sustainability of state and local budgets as American citizens continue to age. Property taxes are critical for funding public schools, emergency services, and local government operations. Without these funds, states would need to identify new revenue streams, such as higher sales or income taxes, which could disproportionately affect lower-income residents and reduce overall economic competitiveness.

In Washington, the expansion of property tax relief programs has not resulted in a loss of revenue for counties. The budget-based approach to calculating property taxes means that as more people qualify for exemptions, the tax burden shifts to other property owners – this means the plan, and similar programs, are not popular with everyone. 

Property taxes are a double-edged sword. They provide essential funding from coast to coast but can also impose a heavy financial burden on senior citizens. As states like Pennsylvania and Washington take steps to mitigate this burden through rebate and exemption programs, long-term solutions remain elusive. 

As policymakers continue to explore solutions, it is crucial to balance the need for revenue with the financial well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly seniors.

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