Rhode Island · Property tax exemptions · Updated Oct 2026

Rhode Island property tax exemptions

Here are Rhode Island's property tax breaks for homeowners, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities, and how to apply.

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026

Set locallyhomestead exemption
Yessenior break
See the rulesdisabled veterans
Set locallyhomestead deadline
1.21%median tax rate

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Exemptions by group

Every break for one group on one page, with step-by-step instructions and the tools set for that group.

Seniors

2 breaks

Elderly (65+) Exemption (local amounts), Property Tax Relief Credit (Form RI-1040H)

Veterans

2 breaks

Totally Disabled Service-Connected Veteran and Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions, Veterans' Exemption

Disability

3 breaks

Blind and 100% Disabled Exemptions (local amounts), Elderly (65+) Exemption (local amounts), Property Tax Relief Credit (Form RI-1040H)

Surviving spouses

2 breaks

Veterans' Exemption, Totally Disabled Service-Connected Veteran and Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions

Where to apply 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.

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. See the table of every city and town below.

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; the assessor may accept late applications for good cause for the current or previous year only.
Law: Providence Code sec. 21-182(d)
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

Source: official page

Seniors

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).

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)

Source: official page

Veterans

Veterans' Exemption

$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.
Renewal
Usually one-time; confirm with your town.
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws 44-3-4

Source: official page

Disabled veterans

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)

Source: official page

Disability

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)

Source: official page

Low income

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.

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
Apply by April 15 of the year after the taxes were paid: April 15, 2026 for tax year 2025. An extension may be requested.
Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 44-33-6
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)

Source: official page

Exemptions by city and town in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island each of the 39 cities and towns sets its own exemptions within state law, so a veteran or senior can get a few dollars off the bill in one town and tens of thousands off the assessed value in the next. Some towns give owner-occupied homes a homestead exemption and some offer a senior tax freeze or deferral. This table shows each town's homestead exemption, basic veterans' exemption, senior (65+) exemption and freeze/deferral options. Most amounts come from a state report for the December 31, 2021 assessment and may be out of date.

Data year: Assessment date December 31, 2021 (Division of Municipal Finance report, updated September 2023), except Providence (FY2027), Cranston and Pawtucket (2026), and current town pages for Coventry and North Providence.

Parts of this table are from 2021, about 5 years old. Cities and towns change their amounts and programs often. Confirm the current figure with your assessor before you rely on it. We could not confirm every figure.

— = not found in the official source; ask your assessor.

City or townCountyHomestead exemption (owner-occupied)Basic veterans' exemptionSenior (65+) exemptionSenior tax freeze / deferral
BarringtonBristolnot listed$341.56 tax creditincome-based credit $515.70-$3,724.50 (65+, household income up to $77,400); $229.20 flat credit above thatnot listed
BristolBristolnot listed$250 tax credit$250-$350 tax credit by age (65+), no income limitdeferral (65+, income up to $50,000, 20 years residency)
BurrillvilleProvidencenot listed$225 tax credit$325-$1,200 tax credit by income (62+, 3 years)not listed
Central FallsProvidenceyes, $720 tax credit (1-5 units)$90 tax credit$90 flat (65+, 3 years)not listed
CharlestownWashingtonnot listed$250 tax credit (plus up to $250 by local ordinance for other honorably discharged veterans)$750-$1,150 tax credit (65+, income-tested)not listed
CoventryKentnot listed$9,000 off assessed value$8,000 off assessed value and taxes frozen (65+ or totally disabled, 5 years owner-occupant); more relief for low incometax freeze (with senior exemption); deferral (listed in 2021 report)
CranstonProvidenceno$12,596 off assessed value (about $182.90, 2026)$37,776 off assessed value (about $548.51, 2026), 65+, no income limittax freeze (65+ or totally disabled, income-tested); apply by March 15
CumberlandProvidenceno$25,377 off assessed value$50,754 off assessed value (65+); income-based exemption $11,281 for income up to $10,500 (one owner) / $15,000 (two or more)deferral of tax increases
East GreenwichKentnot listed$110 tax credit$568-$1,712 tax credit by age (65+, 5 years); income-based 30%-70% off value up to 250% of federal poverty guidelinesdeferral
East ProvidenceProvidenceyes, 14% (1-3 units)$8,250 off assessed value$27,900 off assessed value (65+)not listed
ExeterWashingtonnot listed$5,000 off assessed value$5,000 off assessed value (65+ or 100% disabled); income-based 5%-50% off value for income up to $52,000not listed
FosterProvidencenot listed$1,000 off assessed value$1,000 off assessed value (65+); $500-$1,000 tax credit from age 67 with 10 yearsnot listed
GlocesterProvidencenot listed$267.10 tax credit$2,070 tax credit (65+ or disabled, 10 years); $1,000 more at 80 with 20 yearsnot listed
HopkintonWashingtonnot listed$6,700 off assessed value10%-60% off assessed value by income up to 250% of federal poverty guidelines (65+, 5 years); 10% at 85+ with no income limitnot listed
JamestownNewportnot listed$250 tax credit20%-100% off assessed value by household income (65+, 5 years); applies to value up to $718,600not listed
JohnstonProvidenceyes, 20% single-family / 10% two-family / 6.67% three-family$4,970 off assessed value$40,000 off assessed value (65+)not listed
LincolnProvidenceyes, 35%$10,000 off assessed value$600-$1,300 tax credit by age and income (65+, 5 years)deferral (income up to $25,000)
Little ComptonNewportnot listed$18,000 off assessed value5%-80% off the first $400,000 of value by income up to $32,600 (65+, 5 years)not listed
MiddletownNewportnot listed$36,250 off assessed value$47,800 (65-74) or $52,600 (75+) off assessed value; income-based up to $155,100 off for income up to $52,560tax freeze (65+, low income, 20 years residency)
NarragansettWashingtonyes, up to 10% (1-4 units)$20,000 off assessed value$125 flat tax credit (65+); circuit-breaker credit $500-$1,700 for income up to $37,000deferral of up to 75% of the tax (65+)
New ShorehamWashingtonnot listed$170,356 off assessed value$600 (65+, household income up to $40,000)not listed
NewportNewportnot listed$21,400 off assessed value$4,000 or 20% of value, whichever is greater (65+, income up to $35,350 one person / $40,400 two or more)deferral
North KingstownWashingtonyes, 5%$12,500 off assessed value$30,000 off assessed value (65+, 15 years); income-based $85,500-$156,420 off for income up to 220% of federal poverty guidelinesnot listed
North ProvidenceProvidenceyes, 20% (1-5 units)$5,000 off assessed value$10,000 off assessed value (65+); extra $5,000-$10,000 for income up to $15,000not listed
North SmithfieldProvidencenot listed$350 tax credit$500 tax credit (65+ or 100% disabled, 3 years)not listed
PawtucketProvidencenot listed$17,870 off assessed value (2026)$66,600 off assessed value (65+, up to 3 units, 2026)not listed
PortsmouthNewportnot listed$16,420 off assessed value$16,420 off assessed value (65+); income-based 10%-85% off value for income up to $32,409deferral
ProvidenceProvidenceno percentage exemption; lower owner-occupied tax rate instead: $8.40 vs $14.60 per $1,000 (single-family) and $7.55 vs $14.00 (2-5 units), FY2027$36,429 off assessed value (saving capped at $306, FY2027)$89,286 off assessed value (65+, saving capped at $750, FY2027); 62-64 on Social Security $54,762 (capped at $460)not listed
RichmondWashingtonnot listed$7,335 off assessed value20%-60% off assessed value by income (65+, 3 years; income up to $63,632 single / $77,795 joint)not listed
ScituateProvidencenot listed$46.10 tax credit$37.37 flat tax credit (65+); $56.06-$74.74 with 10 yearstax freeze (65+, 10 years)
SmithfieldProvidencenot listed$10,000 off assessed value$8,000 off assessed value (65+, 10 years, 3 units or less)tax freeze (65+, 10 years)
South KingstownWashingtonnot listed$215 tax credit$499-$2,310 tax credit by income up to $43,251 (65+, 5 years)not listed
TivertonNewportnot listed$200 tax credit$500-$1,000 tax credit for income up to 200% of federal poverty guidelines (65+, 3 years)not listed
WarrenBristolnot listed$10,627 off assessed value$32,018 off assessed value (65+, 1 year)deferral
WarwickKentnot listed$138.40 tax credit$415.20 flat tax credit (65+); circuit-breaker credit $600-$1,000 for income up to $27,023 (65+ or 100% disabled)tax freeze (70+ with income up to $7,500 single / $15,000 married, or 100% disabled)
West GreenwichKentyes, 29% (1-4 units)$100 tax creditnot listedtax freeze (65+, 7 years)
West WarwickKentnot listed$14,301 off assessed value$14,301 off assessed value (65+); income-based $100-$375 tax credit for income up to $35,000not listed
WesterlyWashingtonnot listed$37,561 off assessed value10%-60% off assessed value by income up to $42,200 (65+, 5 years)not listed
WoonsocketProvidenceyes, 25% single-family / 10% two-family / 5% three-family$158.76 tax credit$438.96 tax credit (65+, income up to $30,000)not listed

Good to know

  • "Tax credit" amounts come off the tax bill; "off assessed value" amounts reduce the value that is taxed, so the saving depends on the town's tax rate.
  • Deadlines differ by town: many use March 15, others December 31, January 31 or April; you generally must own (and for most exemptions live in) the home on the December 31 assessment date, and some cities (e.g., Cranston, Pawtucket) require applying in person.
  • Except where a newer year is shown, figures are from the December 31, 2021 assessment and many towns have changed amounts after revaluations; confirm with your town assessor before relying on a figure.

Good to know in Rhode Island

  • 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.

Filled in when the exemption is a fixed dollar amount. You can change it.

Rhode Island median effective rate: 1.21% (taxes paid as a share of home value). Use your own rate if you know it.

Enter a value and a tax rateChoose an exemption or type the value it takes off.

Median effective 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). It is a statewide middle value; local rates differ a lot.

An estimate, not a bill.

Eligibility finder for Rhode Island

Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you.

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A first check, not a decision: only your county, city or town assessor decides. We read ages, ratings and income limits only where the official rule states them plainly; otherwise we show the rule for you to check.

Document checklist for Rhode Island

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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.

Do property tax exemptions differ by city or town in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island each of the 39 cities and towns sets its own exemptions within state law, so a veteran or senior can get a few dollars off the bill in one town and tens of thousands off the assessed value in the next. The table on this page compares 39 cities and towns.

Think your home’s assessed value is too high? An exemption and an appeal are separate: you can do both.

Appeal in Rhode Island
Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.

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