Check Your New Castle CountyDelaware Senior Tax Discount& Property Tax Exemption
Note: Answer a few questions to see which programs you likely qualify for. Your answers stay in your browser, and final eligibility is decided by the county.
Find your home, then answer a few questions about your age, residency, and income. We will show which senior programs you likely qualify for and what they could save you.
This website is independently maintained and not affiliated with New Castle County government or the State of Delaware. All data is sourced from publicly available records. This tool is provided for informational purposes only.
Next application deadlines
- April 30, 2027: Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit (once approved, no annual reapplication)
- June 1, 2027: county over-65 exemption and school tax exemption
Delaware Senior School Credit
- • 50% credit on school taxes up to $500 annually
- • Age 65+ Delaware residents
- • No income limits
- • State-funded (no cost to others)
- • Deadline: April 30th (no annual reapplication)
NCC Senior Discount (County)
- • $173,000 county + up to $173,000 school exemption
- • Age 65+ New Castle County residents
- • County: Income under $65K (excluding Social Security)
- • School: income up to $15,000 single / $19,000 married
- • Deadline: June 1st
Common questions about New Castle County senior tax exemptions, Delaware property tax relief for seniors, and NCC senior discount eligibility
Q: Does New Castle County Delaware offer senior property tax discounts?
Yes! New Castle County Delaware offers significant senior tax discounts including the $500 Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit and the NCC senior discount (up to $173,000 assessed value reduction). These New Castle County senior tax exemptions can save hundreds annually for Delaware senior citizens.
Q: What New Castle County senior tax exemptions are available in Delaware?
New Castle County Delaware offers multiple senior tax exemptions: 1) The $500 Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit (age 65+, no income limits), 2) The NCC senior discount for elderly residents (up to $173K assessed value reduction, income under $65K), and 3) The school tax exemption for very low incomes (up to $173,000 school exemption off assessed value, income up to $15,000 single / $19,000 married). Most qualify for the first two programs.
Q: How do I apply for New Castle County Delaware senior tax relief?
To get New Castle County Delaware senior tax relief, apply for the $500 Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit by April 30 (age 65+ by June 30 and a Delaware resident; no annual reapplication once approved), and apply for the county over-65 exemption and the school tax exemption by June 1 (both are part of the NCC senior discount). The county exemption also needs income under $65,000/year (excluding Social Security). Contact the New Castle County Assessment Division at (302) 395-5520 for applications.
Q: Who pays for these New Castle County senior tax exemptions?
The $500 Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit is funded by the State of Delaware - it does not increase taxes for other residents. However, the NCC senior discount (county exemption) is paid for by all other New Castle County residents through slightly higher tax rates.
Q: I'm getting the $500 school credit. What else can I get?
The $500 school credit has no income limit, but the NCC Elderly Exemption (up to $173,000 off your assessed value) and the school exemption are income-based. Answer a few questions in the checker above to see which of these you likely qualify for.
Q: What if I don't file federal taxes?
You can still apply! Instead of tax returns, you'll need Social Security benefit statements and any other income documentation. Contact the Assessment Division at (302) 395-5520 for guidance on alternative documentation.
Q: Can I apply if I live in assisted living but own my home?
Yes! You can qualify if you moved to a care facility due to infirmity but still own the property as your principal residence. You'll need documentation from your healthcare provider.
Q: I applied before and was denied. Can I try again?
Absolutely! Your financial situation may have changed, or there may have been documentation issues. Income limits: $65,000/year (excluding Social Security) for county exemption. The $500 School Credit has no income limits - only age (65+) and residency requirements.
Q: When are the next application deadlines?
The Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit application is due April 30, 2027, and the county over-65 exemption and school tax exemption applications are due June 1, 2027. Start gathering documents (2026 tax returns, Social Security statements) in January.
Q: What happens if my income changes after I'm approved?
You must notify the county if your income exceeds the limits or if you no longer meet other requirements. However, small fluctuations in Social Security or pension income typically don't affect eligibility.