Assessor Reports Increase in Senior Exemption Income Limits

Washington Township Board Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026

Article Summary: During the January meeting, Assessor Patricia Peters informed the Washington Township Board of a new state bill that raises the maximum household income for senior exemptions. The new limits will take effect starting with the 2026 tax year.

Senior Exemption Key Points:

• New Legislation: A newly passed state bill has increased the “maximum household income” threshold required to qualify for the senior exemption.

• 2026 Tax Year: For the 2026 tax year (payable in 2027), the income limit will rise to $75,000.

• Future Increases: The limit will increase to $77,000 for the 2027 tax year (payable in 2028) and $79,000 for the 2028 tax year (payable in 2029).

Washington Township Assessor Patricia Peters provided a significant update regarding property tax relief for seniors during the Township Board meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Peters reported that the state has passed a new bill increasing the maximum “household income” allowed for residents to qualify for the senior exemption. The adjustment will allow more seniors to qualify for tax relief in the coming years.

According to the figures presented by Peters, the new income levels are set at $75,000 for the 2026 tax year (payable in 2027), increasing to $77,000 for the 2027 tax year, and capping at $79,000 for the 2028 tax year.

In other financial reports, Clerk Joe Burgess presented the 2025 income and expense report for the Washington Township Food Pantry. Burgess noted that the pantry is currently fully funded through donations for the 2025 fiscal year. However, he suggested that the board consider adding line-item funding for the program during upcoming budget discussions for the next fiscal year to ensure continued stability.