Pike County; ad valorem tax; increase amount of homestead exemption for residents who are totally disabled

Larger homestead tax breaks for disabled homeowners

The law sets larger homestead tax breaks for totally disabled Pike County residents, subject to voter approval. It requires a countywide vote on November 3, 2026, with approval by more than half of votes cast. With approval, the exemption starts January 1, 2027, at $15,000 of assessed home value. It applies only to Pike County property taxes for county purposes. Starting in tax year 2028, the exemption is $17,500 for residents age 70 or older with 5–9 years of county residence. Starting in tax year 2031, it is $22,500 for residents age 75 or older with 10–19 years of residence. Starting in tax year 2035, it is $30,000 for residents age 80 or older with at least 20 years of residence. Years of county residence count together and need not be consecutive. These amounts are exempt home values, not cash payments; actual savings depend on the county tax rate. Without voter approval, or without the required election, the exemption changes do not take effect. Those changes are automatically repealed on the 365th calendar day after the scheduled election date. Pike County pays election costs. Voters can ask a court to require election officials to act. The court can order the vote on the required date or the next available special election date allowed by law.