Daily Relo Ticker-April 29, 2026: Property Tax
- Martin Mayotte
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Daily Relo Ticker
Welcome to today’s Daily Relo Ticker (DRT)- your quick, straightforward update on the relocation world as of April 2026. A trusted source, pairing 15+ years of industry experience and over a dozen of personal moves. Listed below are topics, trends and current job postings in the industry. Please consider sharing for maximum reach and while there are no royalties, kickbacks or fees, any move related referral would be greatly appreciated!
Featured News: Property Tax
Colorado Homeowners Hit with 13%+ Property Tax Increases Despite Stable Values
Temporary state tax discounts are expiring, combined with assessment rate changes, driving up bills even when home values stay flat. School taxes form the largest portion and see the biggest impact.
Statistics: Example home bill rises from $2,360 to $2,680 (over 13%); school assessment rate increases to 7.05%.
Minnesota Property Tax Levies Projected to Rise Nearly $1 Billion in 2026
Preliminary figures show broad increases across counties, cities, schools, and special districts due to local budget pressures.
Statistics: $948 million more statewide; counties +8.1%, cities +8.7%, schools +5.8%.
California Effective Property Tax Rates Rising for 2026 Buyers
New school bonds, wildfire mitigation, and infrastructure levies are pushing combined rates higher beyond the traditional 1% base under Prop 13.
Statistics: Expected effective rate 1.15%–1.28%+ in most metros (up from ~1.11% in 2025).
Maryland Property Tax Assessments Rise 12.7% on Average for 2026
Statewide reassessment shows broad value growth; notices mailed for Group 2 properties.
Statistics: Average +12.7% (13.2% residential); 92.7% of Group 2 residential properties increased; all 23 counties + Baltimore City affected.
King County, WA Overall Property Taxes Increase 10% for 2026
Voter-approved lid lifts and special levies for schools, fire, and parks drive the jump.
Statistics: Total $8.4 billion (up $770 million or 10%); property values +5.4%.
AI Prompt: What are 10 Useful Prompts For Finding New Home w/Affordable Property Tax
“Show homes under $500K in counties with property tax rates below 1%.”
→ Targets low-tax jurisdictions first, then filters price.
“Find homes in states with no property tax or lowest effective property tax rates.”
→ Great for broad relocation strategy (e.g., parts of the South/Midwest).
“List homes where annual property taxes are under $3,000.”
→ Focuses on actual dollar impact vs. rate alone.
“Compare homes in [City A] vs [City B] with similar price but lowest property tax burden.”
→ Helps uncover hidden cost differences across markets.
“Find properties with homestead exemption eligibility and estimated tax savings.”
→ Identifies tax-reduction opportunities many buyers miss.
“Show homes in areas with recent property tax freezes or caps for primary residences.”
→ Ideal for long-term cost stability (especially retirees).
“Search for homes in counties with declining or stable property tax trends over the past 5 years.”
→ Avoids areas where taxes are rapidly increasing.
“Find homes with assessed values significantly below market value (potential lower tax base).”
→ Can signal lower ongoing tax liability.
“List homes in school districts with lower millage rates but strong ratings.”
→ Balances taxes with quality of life.
“Show total monthly cost (mortgage + taxes + insurance) for homes under $X budget.”
→ The most realistic way to compare affordability.
Helpful Resource: Tax Relief Policies
Levy Limits / Revenue Caps (Recommended Best Practice)
States and localities cap the total revenue growth from property taxes (often at inflation + population growth), forcing millage-rate reductions when values rise. Prevents automatic tax hikes from reassessments. Statistics: Effective in states like Texas (voter approval required above certain thresholds); could limit statewide collections to ~3–5% annual growth in adopting areas.
Source: Tax Foundation – Property Tax Relief & Reform in 2026. https://taxfoundation.org/research/state-tax/property-tax-relief/
Senior & Disabled Deferral / Exemption Programs
Postponement or full/partial exemptions for seniors (often 62/65+), blind, or disabled homeowners; liens repaid upon sale/death. Statistics: California postponement (income ≤$55k, 40%+ equity) for 2025–26; Vermont 0% interest deferral; widespread senior freezes/exemptions in 16+ states.
Source: State treasuries and controllers’ offices. https://www.sco.ca.gov/ardtax_prop_tax_postponement.html
Veteran Property Tax Exemptions (Nationwide Expansion)
Partial or full exemptions based on VA disability rating; many states increased benefits in 2026. Statistics: Colorado: 50% of first $200k; Minnesota: up to $150k for 70%+ disabled; California 100% disabled get full exemption.
Source: Veterans United and state assessor offices.https://www.veteransunited.com/futurehomeowners/veteran-property-tax-exemptions-by-state/
Radical Proposals: Property Tax Elimination / Tax Swaps
At least 12–13 states (TX, FL, ND, IN, GA, WY, etc.) actively debating full or partial elimination, replacing revenue with higher sales taxes or local income taxes. Statistics: Wyoming 25% cut already caused local shortfalls (~$644M projected loss if fully eliminated); Indiana $1.2B relief 2026–2028 but $1.5B local impact.
Source: Tax Foundation, TurboTenant, BiggerPockets analysis. https://www.turbotenant.com/accounting/states-eliminating-property-taxes/
Joke Of The Day:
Why was the property tax assessor reluctant for a relationship. They were already assessed with too much baggage!
Moving Tip Of The Day:
Research tax implications before you move — Contact the county assessor in both your old and new location if you have any questions or concerns.
Trivia Of The Day:
Maryland has a homestead tax credit that can cap increases on your primary residence. If you move within Maryland, filing for it on a new home is key to keeping taxes from jumping.
Quote Of The Day:
A house is made of walls and beams; a home is made of love and dreams.” — Unknown
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