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Last updated: 27 May 2026
Bottom line: North Dakota seniors should check more than one path. Older low-income homeowners may qualify for the Homestead Property Tax Credit. Renters may qualify for a Renter’s Refund. Many homeowners can also use the Primary Residence Credit, but the 2026 real property window has closed as of 27 May 2026. Disabled veterans and some surviving spouses may have a separate credit. If taxes are late, call the county treasurer first.
Urgent help if taxes are overdue
If you have a delinquent tax notice, tax sale notice, escrow shortage, or foreclosure warning, act today. A credit may not stop a county deadline.
- Call your county treasurer first: Ask for the exact balance, penalties, interest, and next deadline. Use the county directory to find the right office, then write down the date and the staff name.
- Ask if your case involves foreclosure timing: County treasurers handle delinquent property tax records and foreclosure steps. The treasurer page explains the office’s role in tax and real estate records.
- Check one-time homeowner help: North Dakota HHS says ND Help for Homeowners may help eligible homeowners with past-due property taxes and other housing costs. The state has said the program is ending in August 2026, so this is time-sensitive.
- Get legal help if the home is at risk: Legal Services of North Dakota lists a special application phone line for age 60 and older at 1-866-621-9886.
Quick help: where to start
| Your situation | Best first step | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| You own and live in your North Dakota home | Check the Primary Residence Credit | It can reduce a qualifying property tax bill by up to $1,600, but the annual window is January 1 through April 1. |
| You are 65 or older with income at or below $70,000 | Review the Homestead and Renter rules | This is the main income-based senior path for homeowners and renters. |
| You are permanently and totally disabled | Ask about Homestead or Renter rules | There is no age requirement for a person who meets the disability rule. |
| You are a disabled veteran or surviving spouse | Check the veterans credit | The credit depends on disability rating and ownership rules. |
| Your bill is already late | Call the county treasurer | The treasurer can tell you what is due now and what deadline comes next. |
| You are at risk of losing the home | Check Help for Homeowners | Eligible households may get one-time help with past-due taxes, mortgage, utilities, or related costs. |
Contents
- How North Dakota relief works
- Main programs to check
- Deadlines and amounts
- Which office to call
- If taxes are delinquent
- How to start
- Documents to gather
- Phone scripts
- Local resources
- Reality checks
- FAQs
How North Dakota property tax relief works
North Dakota property tax help is not one simple senior discount. It is a mix of state credits, renter refunds, veteran relief, county billing rules, and emergency housing help.
The biggest update for 2026 is the Primary Residence Credit. The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner says approved homeowners may receive up to $1,600 against their property tax bill. This credit is not limited to seniors. It has no age or income limit, but it does require the owner to live in the home as a primary residence. It is also online-only and has a short annual application window.
Older adults with lower income should still check the Homestead Property Tax Credit. That program is different. It is for people age 65 or older, or for people who are permanently and totally disabled, who meet the income and property rules. Renters may have a path through the Renter’s Refund.
This article focuses on property tax relief. For broader state benefits, see our North Dakota senior help guide. If property taxes are part of a larger housing problem, our North Dakota housing help guide may also be useful.
State facts show why this matters. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated North Dakota’s 2025 population at 799,358 and listed 17.3% of residents as age 65 or older. Use Census QuickFacts for updated statewide numbers.
Main programs to check first
Primary Residence Credit
What it helps with: This credit reduces a qualifying North Dakota homeowner’s property tax obligation. It is applied to the property tax statement. It is not a cash check.
Who may qualify: You must own and live in a North Dakota home as your primary residence. Houses, mobile homes, town homes, duplexes, condos, and homes held in trusts can qualify. There is no age or income limit. Only one credit is allowed per household.
Where to apply: Apply online through the state tax office during the January 1 through April 1 window. As of 27 May 2026, the 2026 real property window has closed. Mark the next window now.
Reality check: The credit cannot be more than the tax due. If you missed the window, ask the state tax office about next year’s steps.
Homestead Property Tax Credit
What it helps with: This credit reduces the taxable value of a qualifying homestead. It can lower the property taxes owed by an eligible homeowner.
Who may qualify: The homeowner must be age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled. The state lists a $70,000 income limit, including spouse and dependent income for the prior calendar year. The applicant must live at the property and have an ownership interest.
Where to apply: Submit the state application to your local assessor or county tax director. Applications are due before March 31. A disabled applicant may also need a physician certificate or other disability proof.
Reality check: Renting out the home while away can block the credit. Shared ownership, a trust, life estate, or deed issue can also change the answer.
Renter’s Refund
What it helps with: The Renter’s Refund gives a partial refund of rent that is treated as property tax. The state says refunds can be up to $600.
Who may qualify: Renters generally must meet the same age or disability rule as homeowners. They must also meet the income rule. The state says renter income cannot exceed $70,000. Renters are not subject to an asset limit under the state guideline.
Where to apply: Submit the renter application to the Office of State Tax Commissioner. Applications are available after Martin Luther King Jr. Day through May 31 and must be postmarked by May 31.
Reality check: The calculation is not based on rent alone. The state formula compares 20% of annual rent with 4% of annual income. Utilities, furniture, cable, and garage costs may need to be removed from the rent amount if included.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit
What it helps with: This credit reduces taxable value for a qualifying home of a disabled veteran. It may also help some surviving spouses.
Who may qualify: The veteran generally must have a service-connected disability of 50% or more, or certain ratings paid at the 100% rate. The veteran must have an honorable discharge or be retired, and must live on and own an interest in the property.
Where to apply: File with the local assessor or county tax director by April 1. Include disability and discharge proof. If records are hard to find, start with a service officer early.
Reality check: The credit amount depends on disability percentage. Married disabled veterans living together have combined limits.
ND Help for Homeowners
What it helps with: This is not a normal tax credit. It is one-time homeowner help for past-due mortgage, property taxes, insurance, special assessments, lot rent, utilities, and related costs.
Who may qualify: The state says homeowners must have a COVID-19-related financial hardship, income at or below 150% of area median income, and must own and occupy the home.
Where to apply: North Dakota HHS says the program can be contacted through the Housing Stability Program at 701-328-1907 or 1-800-366-6888. A May 2026 HHS notice says eligible homeowners should apply by August 15, 2026 because the program is ending.
Reality check: This is one-time help. People who already received benefits cannot apply for more. It requires documents, so do not wait.
Deadlines and amounts to know
| Program | Possible help | Main deadline | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Residence Credit | Up to $1,600, limited by tax due | January 1 to April 1 each year | Office of State Tax Commissioner |
| Homestead Property Tax Credit | Taxable value reduction based on income | Before March 31 | Local assessor or county tax director |
| Renter’s Refund | Partial refund up to $600 | Postmarked by May 31 | Office of State Tax Commissioner |
| Disabled Veterans Credit | Taxable value reduction based on rating | April 1 | Local assessor or county tax director |
| ND Help for Homeowners | Up to $40,000 for eligible past-due costs | Program ending August 15, 2026 | North Dakota HHS |
For the Homestead Credit, the state shows two income bands. Income of $0 to $40,000 may get a 100% taxable value reduction, up to $9,000. Income of $40,001 to $70,000 may get a 50% reduction, up to $4,500. The credit guideline gives details.
Which office to call
Property taxes are local bills. The state sets credit rules, but local offices handle many steps. Calling the wrong office can waste days.
| Question | Call this office | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| How much do I owe? | County treasurer | Ask for the current balance, penalties, interest, and next deadline. |
| Why is my value high? | Assessor or tax director | Ask how your property value was set and what review rights exist. |
| Where do I file Homestead? | Assessor or tax director | Ask for the current form, due date, and proof needed. |
| Where do I file renter refund? | State tax office | Ask which renter form applies to the rent year. |
| Who helps with veteran records? | County or tribal VSO | Ask for help proving disability rating and discharge status. |
The North Dakota Association of Counties says the Tax Equalization Director, also called the Assessment Officer, appraises taxable property. Its tax director page explains why value questions differ from payment questions.
If your property taxes are delinquent
Do not wait for a tax credit answer. A credit application and a delinquency case can move on different tracks.
- Ask for the exact deadline: Say, “What is the next date that matters if I cannot pay in full today?”
- Ask about partial payments: Some counties may accept partial payments, but rules and effects can vary. Get the answer from your county.
- Ask what charges are included: Your bill may include property tax, special assessments, penalties, interest, or other charges. A credit may not reduce every item.
- Call the mortgage servicer: If taxes are paid through escrow, ask whether the servicer missed a payment or changed the escrow amount.
- Get help before title problems grow: If the owner died, the deed is unclear, or heirs disagree, legal help may be needed.
If you also have shutoff notices, food needs, or another emergency, see our North Dakota emergency help guide while you keep working with the tax office.
How to start without wasting time
- Find your current tax statement. You need the parcel number, property address, owner name, and amount due.
- Write down your housing status. Are you a homeowner, renter, mobile home owner, mobile home lot renter, veteran, surviving spouse, or trust owner?
- Check deadline first. If the deadline already passed, ask what can still be done for next year or for delinquent taxes.
- Use the official form. Do not use an old form saved on your computer. Rules and dates can change.
- Call before filing if ownership is messy. Ask the county how to handle a trust, life estate, contract for deed, late spouse, shared title, or mobile home.
- Keep copies. Save the form, proof, mailing receipt, email, or confirmation screen.
For online benefit applications beyond property tax relief, our North Dakota portals guide can help seniors and caregivers find the right state starting page.
Documents and information to gather
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number or taxpayer details requested on the form
- Current property tax statement or parcel number
- Proof that you live in the home
- Deed, life estate, trust paper, or contract for deed if ownership is not simple
- Income records for the required year
- Social Security, pension, retirement, IRA, or military pension records
- Medical expense records if the form allows a deduction
- Rent receipts or landlord statement if applying as a renter
- Veteran disability and discharge papers if applying for veteran relief
- Death certificate or spouse records if applying as a surviving spouse
- Mortgage, escrow, insurance, or delinquency notices if the home is at risk
Older adults with disability-related needs can check our North Dakota disability help guide. Veteran households can use our North Dakota veteran benefits guide.
Phone scripts you can use
County treasurer script
“Hello, my name is ______. I am calling about property taxes for parcel number ______ at ______. Can you tell me the current amount due, any penalties or interest, and the next deadline? I am a senior and I am checking tax relief, but I need to know what must be done now to avoid a bigger problem.”
Assessor or tax director script
“Hello, I want to ask about the Homestead Property Tax Credit. I am age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled. Can you tell me which form is current, what proof you need, and whether my ownership record needs to be fixed before I apply?”
Renter refund script
“Hello, I am asking about the Renter’s Refund. I am age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled. Can you tell me which rent year the current form covers, where to mail it, and what rent proof is acceptable?”
Legal help script
“Hello, I am age 60 or older and I may lose my home or have a property tax problem. I have notices from the county, and I need to know if legal help is available. What documents should I have ready for intake?”
Local and community resources
- Aging support: North Dakota Health and Human Services says the Aging and Disability Resource-LINK, or ADRL, connects people to services. The Adult and Aging page lists 1-855-462-5465 and 711 TTY.
- Area aging help: North Dakota uses a statewide aging services approach. Our North Dakota aging guide explains where older adults and caregivers should start.
- Housing counseling: If taxes are tied to a mortgage, escrow, reverse mortgage, or foreclosure issue, a HUD counselor can help you review housing options before signing anything risky.
- Other bills: If property taxes are one part of a bigger budget problem, North Dakota’s Apply for Help page covers SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and other benefits.
- Medicare costs: Lower medical costs may free up money for housing. Our North Dakota MSP guide explains Medicare Savings Programs.
- Charity help: Local churches and nonprofits may help with rides, copying documents, or emergency needs. See our North Dakota charities guide for starting points.
Reality checks before you count on relief
- Deadlines matter: The Primary Residence Credit, Homestead Credit, Renter’s Refund, and Disabled Veterans Credit have different dates.
- Income is not always simple: The Homestead and Renter rules can count more than taxable income. Social Security, pensions, IRA income, and other income may matter.
- A credit may not erase special charges: Ask whether special assessments, penalties, or interest are affected.
- Mobile home cases can be tricky: A person may own the home but rent the lot. Ask which forms apply.
- Trusts and shared ownership can change the answer: Do not guess. Ask the assessor or tax director before filing.
- Late tax problems need two tracks: Work on relief, but also talk with the treasurer about the delinquent balance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using last year’s form: Download the current form each time.
- Only asking, “Is there a senior exemption?” Ask by program name: Primary Residence Credit, Homestead Property Tax Credit, Renter’s Refund, and Disabled Veterans Credit.
- Waiting for a denial letter: If a deadline is near, call before you mail or upload documents.
- Leaving income lines blank: Missing income details can delay or block a claim.
- Forgetting rent proof: Renters should keep receipts, landlord statements, or other proof requested by the state.
- Ignoring county mail: Tax notices can include important deadlines. Open them even if you cannot pay yet.
If denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
Ask for the exact reason. A denial based on missing proof may be easier to fix than a denial based on income or ownership. If the office says you missed a deadline, ask when the next filing period opens and whether any other relief is still available for delinquent taxes.
If the problem is value, ask the assessor or tax director about review rights. If it is unpaid taxes, ask the treasurer what happens next. If it is title, probate, a trust, or a surviving spouse issue, contact legal help.
Keep a call log with the date, office, staff name, phone number, and answer.
Resumen en español
En Dakota del Norte, la ayuda para impuestos de propiedad puede venir de varios programas. Dueños de casa pueden revisar el Primary Residence Credit, pero la ventana anual normalmente es del 1 de enero al 1 de abril. Personas de 65 años o más, o personas con discapacidad total y permanente, pueden revisar el Homestead Property Tax Credit si cumplen las reglas de ingresos. Inquilinos pueden revisar el Renter’s Refund.
Si sus impuestos ya están atrasados, llame primero al tesorero de su condado. Pregunte cuánto debe, si hay multas, y cuál es la próxima fecha importante. Si la casa está en riesgo, llame a Legal Services of North Dakota para preguntar por ayuda legal. Para ayuda general para adultos mayores, llame al Aging and Disability Resource-LINK al 1-855-462-5465.
Frequently asked questions
Does North Dakota have a senior property tax exemption?
North Dakota has an income-based Homestead Property Tax Credit for eligible homeowners who are age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled. It is not an automatic age-only exemption for every senior homeowner.
What is the Primary Residence Credit?
The Primary Residence Credit is a North Dakota property tax credit for qualifying homeowners who own and live in their home as a primary residence. Approved applications may receive up to $1,600 against the property tax obligation, limited by the tax due.
Can seniors get both Homestead and Primary Residence credits?
Yes, some homeowners may be eligible for more than one type of property tax credit. The state says a person approved for Homestead or Disabled Veterans relief may still receive the Primary Residence Credit for remaining property taxes owed, within program limits.
What is the income limit for the Homestead Credit?
The state lists a $70,000 income limit for the Homestead Property Tax Credit, including the income of a spouse and dependents for the calendar year before the assessment date. Use the current state form because income rules can be detailed.
Can renters get property tax relief?
Yes. Some renters age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled renters, may qualify for the Renter’s Refund. The refund can be up to $600, and the state uses a rent-and-income formula.
Where do I call if my property taxes are delinquent?
Call your county treasurer. Ask for the current amount due, penalties, interest, and the next deadline. Do this even if you are also applying for a property tax credit.
What if the home is in a trust?
Trust ownership can affect eligibility. The Primary Residence Credit page says homes held in trusts can qualify, but Homestead rules can be more detailed. Ask the assessor or county tax director before filing.
Can disabled veterans get a separate credit?
Yes. North Dakota has a Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit for qualifying veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more, or certain 100% paid ratings. Some surviving spouses may also qualify.
About This Guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
Editorial note: This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Verification: Last verified 27 May 2026, next review 27 August 2026.
Corrections: Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.
Last updated: 27 May 2026
Next review: 27 August 2026
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