Property Tax Exemption

The City provides a property tax exemption up to $565 dollars per year to homeowners aged 65 and over who qualify based on income. If you qualify, you also receive a discount on your water and sewer bills.

To qualify for a property tax exemption, you must meet all of the following requirements. You must:

• be an owner or part owner of the property;
• be at least 65 years old before the beginning of the tax year on July 1;
• make a maximum income of $19,000 for married couples, or $15,000 for single persons, excluding social security and railroad retirement tier 1; and
• be up to date on your tax bills and water/sewer bills.

Senior Property Tax Assistance Program

The City of Wilmington, the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), and United Way of Delaware (UWD) are working together to assist qualified homeowners in Wilmington who are 62 years of age or older and facing imminent foreclosure.

The Wilmington Senior Property Tax Assistance Program targets seniors who have paid off their mortgages, but who are facing foreclosure due to delinquent City property taxes or sewer/water bills. The maximum grant amount is $3,000.

The application and complete information about the program can be found on the DSHA website.

To apply, please contact DSHA at (302) 577-5001 to set up an appointment.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The State Fire Marshal’s Office offers FREE hard-wired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. For information call 323-5375 or call the Wilmington Fire Department Fire Safety Programs at 576-3120.

Disaster Planning and Assistance

The Wilmington Emergency Preparedness Office offers disaster planning and assistance. For information call 576-3914.

Crime Prevention and Personal Safety

The Wilmington Police Department offers Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Programs. For information call 576-3189.

Home Repair Program

The Wilmington Department of Real Estate & Housing offers a Home Repair Program. For information call 576-3000.

Free Electric Fan Program

The Mayor’s Office offers a Free Electric Fan Program for seniors who live in the City. For information call 576-2489.

County and School Taxes

You can also save on County taxes and school taxes. For seniors who meet requirements 1 and 2, you may still qualify for a school tax credit up to $500 regardless of income. Contact New Castle County at 395-5520 or download the application from the NCC website.

The information on this page is also available in an easy-to-read brochure.

Contact Finance

Mailing Address

Department of Finance
Louis L. Redding City/County Building
800 N. French Street, 5th Floor
Wilmington DE 19801

Phone: (302) 576-2400
Fax: (302) 571-4283
Earned Income Tax Office: (302) 576-2418
Email your City tax questions: CityTaxQuestions@WilmingtonDE.gov