Property Tax Relief Measures on 2026 Ballot in 7 States
Source: kiplinger ·
As US voters face rising costs for groceries, housing, and utilities, property taxes are another expense that weighs heavily on homeowners. The average property tax bill for a single-family home reached $4,427 in 2025, a 3% increase from the previous year, according to ATTOM. This November, voters in seven states will decide on property tax measures aimed at providing relief.
The background
Property tax relief measures are being considered in seven states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. These measures aim to provide relief to homeowners and farmers by cutting property tax bills, slowing assessment growth, or expanding exemptions. The measures vary by state, with some focusing on exemptions for specific groups or limiting how quickly property tax assessments can grow.
Key takeaways
- Florida voters will decide on Amendment 3, which raises the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
- Wyoming's Initiative 1 would exempt 50% of the assessed value of a qualifying primary residence with no value cap.
- Oklahoma's State Question 847 would slow property tax assessment increases to 4% and 1.75% beginning in 2027.
- North Carolina voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to limit local property tax increases.
- Seven states have property tax measures on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections.
- Some measures aim to cut property tax bills for qualifying homeowners, while others would slow assessment growth or expand exemptions.
Why it matters
The outcome of these property tax measures could have significant implications for homeowners, farmers, and local governments, potentially leading to increased affordability and reduced costs for some, but also potentially squeezing local services and shifting costs to other taxpayers.
Bull case
- Potential savings for homeowners and farmers through exemptions and reduced assessment growth.
- Increased affordability for homeowners and farmers, potentially leading to reduced costs and improved quality of life.
- Broad relief for people who live in their homes year-round through Wyoming's Initiative 1.
Bear case
- Potential shortfalls for counties and schools in Wyoming without a value cap.
- Caps on property tax assessment increases in Oklahoma may limit increases in value but not in bills.
- Loss of local revenue could squeeze police, fire, and other services in Florida and Oklahoma.
What to watch
- The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections, particularly in Florida, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.
- The impact of the measures on property tax bills and local government revenue.
- The potential effects on homeowners, farmers, and local services.
Frequently asked
- What is the average property tax bill on a single-family home in the United States?
- The average property tax bill on a single-family home reached $4,427 last year, up 3% from the year before, according to real estate data firm ATTOM.
- How would Amendment 3 in Florida affect property tax bills?
- Amendment 3 would raise the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjust it for inflation, potentially leading to immediate savings for homeowners.
- What is the impact of Wyoming's Initiative 1 on property tax assessments?
- Wyoming's Initiative 1 would exempt 50% of the assessed value of a qualifying primary residence with no value cap, potentially offering broad relief to people who live in their homes year-round.