Don’t Miss the Sept. 30 Deadline: Claim Your Home Exemption

As a homeowner on Oʻahu, one of the best ways to lower your property tax burden is by applying for the Home Exemption through Honolulu’s Real Property Assessment Division (RPAD). If you haven’t filed — or want to double check your status — the deadline is September 30, 2025. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Home Exemption?

The Home Exemption is a tax relief program offered by the City & County of Honolulu that reduces the taxable assessed value of properties used as the owner’s principal residence. Essentially, it subtracts a set amount from your property’s assessed value before taxes are calculated.

• For homeowners under age 65 (or those who don’t have their birthdate on file), the exemption amount is $120,000.

• For homeowners 65 years or older, the exemption grows to $160,000. To get that higher amount, you must be 65 on or before June 30 preceding the tax year.

  
  

Who Qualifies & What’s Required

To benefit from the Home Exemption, you must meet several criteria. Here’s a checklist:

Requirement	Details
Ownership & Occupancy	You must own and occupy the property as your principal home. Evidence may include living there more than 270 days per year, registering to vote there, filing state income tax with that address, etc.
Recorded Ownership	Your ownership (or lease, if applicable) must be recorded at the Bureau of Conveyances (or land court) on or before September 30 preceding the tax year.
File the Claim Form	Use Form BFS-RPA-E-8-10.3 (Claim for Home Exemption). Submit it by September 30, 2025 for the tax year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
Proof of Age (for the 65+ amount)	If you are claiming the higher exemption, you’ll need to provide an acceptable document (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.) showing your birthdate.

If things change (you move, title changes, etc.): You must report changes to RPAD within 30 days or by November 1 preceding the tax year.

What Happens After Filing

Once you successfully file, and your claim is approved:

• Your property’s assessed taxable value is reduced by the exemption amount ($120,000 or $160,000).

• Your property may also be reclassified (if applicable) into a lower tax class (Residential class rather than Residential-A) — which can further reduce what you pay.

• You will receive a Notice of Assessment (sent out by or before December 15) that reflects whether your exemption has been granted.

  
  

If you're unsure whether you’ve already filed, or if you qualify for the higher exemption, now is a great time to check. I’d be happy to help verify your status, walk you through the application, or pull up the required documents. Just reach out anytime — let’s make sure you don’t miss out on the savings you deserve.