Rhode Island · Property tax exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Rhode Island property tax exemptions
Homestead, senior, veteran, disability and surviving-spouse breaks in Rhode Island: what each one is worth, who qualifies, how to apply and the deadline, in plain English.
Set locallyhomestead exemption
Yessenior break
See the rulesdisabled veterans
Set locallyhomestead deadline
1.21%median tax rate
Exemptions by group
Every break for one group on one page, with step-by-step instructions and the tools set for that group.
Each city or town's tax assessor decides exemptions, and each sets its own amounts within limits in state law (R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 44-3). You apply to your local assessor. The state's low-income Property Tax Relief Credit (Form RI-1040H) is claimed from the RI Division of Taxation.
Some amounts depend on where you live. In Rhode Island, some of these breaks or their amounts are set or adjusted by your county, city or town, as each exemption below explains. Ask your local assessor for the figure that applies to your home.
Property tax exemptions in Rhode Island
Homestead
Homestead / Owner-Occupied Exemption or Rate (local option)
Set by each city or town: some give owner-occupied homes a percentage off assessed value, some a lower tax rate, some nothing. Example: Providence now uses a lower owner-occupied tax rate instead of a percentage exemption. For fiscal year 2026-27 (assessment date December 31, 2025), a single-family home you live in is taxed at $8.40 per $1,000 of assessed value instead of $14.60; for 2-5 unit homes it is $7.55 instead of $14.00.
Who qualifies
Owners who live in the home as their principal residence, in towns that offer it. In Providence only natural persons qualify (not businesses or most trusts/entities), only one homestead or owner-occupied rate per owner and spouse anywhere in the U.S., and the assessor must deny it if you have an unpaid housing-court judgment for code violations.
How to apply
Ask your local assessor. In Providence, file the owner-occupied application and sworn declaration with the City Assessor with proof of residency and ownership (the assessor's online Owner Occupied Certification asks for a RI license or state ID plus a recent bank, mortgage, pay or government statement). If you buy a home during the year, you can apply as of the purchase date and get it pro rata.
Form
Providence owner-occupied application and declaration (City Assessor; online Owner Occupied Certification at assessor.providenceri.gov)
Deadline
Set locally. Providence: March 15 for the assessment date of the prior December 31 (Providence Code sec. 21-182(d)); the assessor may accept late applications for good cause for the current or previous year only.
Renewal
Set locally; in Providence the benefit stays with the owner, not the property, and ends on sale; the assessor may ask owners to recertify.
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws 44-5-11.8 (tax classification and homestead authority) and 44-5-11.18 (Providence classification); Providence Code of Ordinances sec. 21-182
Set by each town: a flat amount off assessed value, a tax credit, or an income-based exemption; some towns also allow a senior tax freeze. Example (Providence, fiscal year 2026-27): $89,286 off assessed value for owners 65 or older, but the tax saving cannot exceed $750; owners 62-64 who receive Social Security get $54,762 off (saving capped at $460).
Who qualifies
Usually owner-occupants 65 or older; some towns add income limits and residency or ownership periods (for example, Richmond requires 3 years). State law separately lets certain towns freeze tax for owners 65+ or totally disabled below set incomes (R.I. Gen. Laws 44-3-16).
Income limit
Varies by town; Providence's 65+ exemption has no income limit in its ordinance.
How to apply
Apply to your local assessor with proof of age (and income if your town requires it).
Deadline
Set locally; commonly March 15 (Providence's homestead/owner-occupied deadline is March 15; confirm the senior exemption deadline with the Providence assessor).
Renewal
Set locally; income-based programs usually need a yearly application.
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 44-3 (town-specific sections, e.g. 44-3-24 and 44-3-31 for Providence); 44-3-16 (local-option tax freeze); Providence Code sec. 21-126(b)
$1,000 off assessed value under the general state rule, with higher amounts allowed in many towns by special laws. Example (Providence, fiscal year 2026-27): $36,429 off assessed value for a qualifying veteran or the un-remarried widow or widower, with the tax saving capped at $306. Providence also gives Gold Star parents $54,762 (saving capped at $460).
Who qualifies
Veterans who served in the listed wars or conflicts (including the Cold War 1947-1991) and were honorably discharged or discharged other than dishonorably, and their un-remarried widows or widowers.
How to apply
Apply to your local assessor with your DD-214 (and the death certificate for a surviving spouse).
Deadline
Set locally; East Providence uses March 15. Confirm the Providence date with the assessor.
Totally Disabled Service-Connected Veteran and Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions
Larger local exemptions for veterans with a total service-connected disability, former POWs, and homes specially adapted for disabled veterans. Example (Providence, fiscal year 2026-27): totally disabled veteran $73,095 off assessed value (saving capped at $614); totally disabled in specially adapted housing $182,619 (capped at $1,534); POW or un-remarried widow or widower $91,310 (capped at $770). East Providence 2026: veteran's modified housing $28,600 off assessment.
Who qualifies
Veterans with a VA total service-connected disability rating, POWs, or veterans whose home is specially adapted with VA help; surviving spouses in some towns.
How to apply
Apply to your local assessor with your DD-214 and VA rating or grant letter. Specially adapted housing may require an inspection.
Deadline
Set locally (East Providence: May 25 for modified housing).
Renewal
Usually one-time; confirm locally.
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws 44-3-4, 44-3-4.2; Providence Code sec. 21-126(a)
Blind and 100% Disabled Exemptions (local amounts)
Local amounts off assessed value. Blind: East Providence $51,425 for 2026 (about $687 off the tax bill); Providence $109,643 for fiscal year 2026-27 (saving capped at $921). Providence also gives $59,405 (saving capped at $499) to owners who are 100% disabled under Social Security (SSDI or SSI) or who receive 100% disability payments from another public source.
Who qualifies
Blind exemption: owners certified as legally blind by the RI Department of Human Services, Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. 100% disability exemption (in towns that offer it, e.g. Providence): owners found 100% disabled under Title II or XVI of the Social Security Act, or receiving 100% disability payments from sources such as railroad retirement, federal civil service, postal service, or Providence police and fire pensions.
How to apply
Give your assessor the certification letter from Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, or your disability award letter.
Deadline
Set locally (East Providence: March 15).
Renewal
Confirm locally.
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws 44-3-12 (blind); Providence Code sec. 21-126(b)
A state credit or refund for property tax (or 20% of rent) on your home that is more than 3% to 6% of your household income, depending on income. For tax year 2025 (claims filed in 2026) the maximum is $700. The amount is adjusted every year for inflation.
Who qualifies
Rhode Island domiciled residents for the whole year who are 65 or older, or whose spouse is, or who receive Social Security disability benefits, homeowners or renters, with total household income of $40,730 or less for 2025. You must be current on property taxes or rent on the home for that year and all earlier years. One claim per household.
Income limit
$40,730 total household income for tax year 2025 (2025 Form RI-1040H); adjusted for inflation each year
How to apply
File Form RI-1040H with the RI Division of Taxation, with your RI-1040 or on its own. Attach your property tax bill (homeowners) or your lease or 3 rent receipts (renters); if under 65, attach your Social Security disability award letter or Form 1099-SSA.
Form
RI-1040H Property Tax Relief Claim (2025)
Deadline
April 15 of the year after the taxes were paid: April 15, 2026 for tax year 2025 (R.I. Gen. Laws 44-33-6). An extension may be requested.
Renewal
Every year
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws 44-33-1 to 44-33-19 (esp. 44-33-3, 44-33-6, 44-33-9)
Almost every amount is set by your city or town, so the same veteran can get $1,000 off in one town and much more in the next (R.I. Gen. Laws 44-3-4).
Some towns also offer a hardship exemption based on income; East Providence takes applications January 1 to April 15 each year (East Providence Assessment Division).
Providence caps the tax saving of each exemption (for example, the 65+ exemption saves at most $750 a year), so the dollar value off assessment is not the whole story (Providence FY2026-27 tax ordinance).
Savings estimate for Rhode Island
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Rhode Island
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Rhode Island
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 property tax exemptions in Rhode Island
Is there a homestead exemption in Rhode Island?
Yes: the Homestead / Owner-Occupied Exemption or Rate (local option). Set by each city or town: some give owner-occupied homes a percentage off assessed value, some a lower tax rate, some nothing. Example: Providence now uses a lower owner-occupied tax rate instead of a percentage exemption. For fiscal year 2026-27 (assessment date December 31, 2025), a single-family home you live in is taxed at $8.40 per $1,000 of assessed value instead of $14.60; for 2-5 unit homes it is $7.55 instead of $14.00. Who qualifies: Owners who live in the home as their principal residence, in towns that offer it. In Providence only natural persons qualify (not businesses or most trusts/entities), only one homestead or owner-occupied rate per owner and spouse anywhere in the U.S., and the assessor must deny it if you have an unpaid housing-court judgment for code violations.
When is the deadline to apply for the homestead exemption in Rhode Island?
Set locally. Providence: March 15 for the assessment date of the prior December 31 (Providence Code sec. 21-182(d)); the assessor may accept late applications for good cause for the current or previous year only.
Do I have to reapply for the homestead exemption every year in Rhode Island?
Set locally; in Providence the benefit stays with the owner, not the property, and ends on sale; the assessor may ask owners to recertify.
Are there property tax breaks for seniors in Rhode Island?
Elderly (65+) Exemption (local amounts): Set by each town: a flat amount off assessed value, a tax credit, or an income-based exemption; some towns also allow a senior tax freeze. Example (Providence, fiscal year 2026-27): $89,286 off assessed value for owners 65 or older, but the tax saving cannot exceed $750; owners 62-64 who receive Social Security get $54,762 off (saving capped at $460). Property Tax Relief Credit (Form RI-1040H): A state credit or refund for property tax (or 20% of rent) on your home that is more than 3% to 6% of your household income, depending on income. For tax year 2025 (claims filed in 2026) the maximum is $700. The amount is adjusted every year for inflation.
Do disabled veterans get a property tax exemption in Rhode Island?
Totally Disabled Service-Connected Veteran and Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions: Larger local exemptions for veterans with a total service-connected disability, former POWs, and homes specially adapted for disabled veterans. Example (Providence, fiscal year 2026-27): totally disabled veteran $73,095 off assessed value (saving capped at $614); totally disabled in specially adapted housing $182,619 (capped at $1,534); POW or un-remarried widow or widower $91,310 (capped at $770). East Providence 2026: veteran's modified housing $28,600 off assessment.
Where do I apply for property tax exemptions in Rhode Island?
Each city or town's tax assessor decides exemptions, and each sets its own amounts within limits in state law (R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 44-3). You apply to your local assessor. The state's low-income Property Tax Relief Credit (Form RI-1040H) is claimed from the RI Division of Taxation.
Think your home’s assessed value is too high? An exemption and an appeal are separate: you can do both.
Median effective tax rate: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25103 (median real estate taxes paid, owner-occupied homes) and B25077 (median value, owner-occupied homes). The rate is the median tax paid divided by the median home value.