Tax relief — Assessor’s office ready to help residents navigate 2026 property tax relief applications
As property tax relief programs open for the 2026 tax year, Weston County Assessor’s Office officials say they are preparing to help residents navigate the new application requirements — including the online-only process for the homeowner’s exemption, according to Kara Lenardson, Weston County assessor.
To make the process easier for those without internet access, a laptop will be available at the assessor’s counter beginning Oct. 1 so taxpayers can apply right in the office.
“Since the application is only available online and not everyone has access, we wanted to make sure everyone has the opportunity to apply,” Lenardson said.
She noted that public interest in the exemptions available this year has already been high and that the county treasurer’s office included an informational insert about the programs in this year’s tax statements, prompting calls and visits from residents seeking clarification.
“There’s so much information, I know it can be confusing,” Lenardson said. “I invite anyone with questions to please contact our office for clarification if they need it.”
Homeowner property tax exemption
Applications for the Homeowner Property Tax Exemption (SF69 – 2025) opened Oct. 1 and must be filed by Feb. 1, 2026, according to information provided by Lenardson. The program offers an exemption equal to 25% off the first $1 million of a home’s fair market value and associated residential improved land.
Unlike last year, when the exemption was automatically applied to all residential improvements, homeowners must now apply for the exemption, and it is available only to owner-occupied residential structures and associated residential improved land, Lenardson reported.
To qualify, homeowners must:
— Own and occupy a single-family residential structure and associated improved land for at least eight months each year; and
— Provide their county, property address or account number when applying.
“This application process is only available online. We will work with taxpayers to help them with the application process, if need be, in our office,” Lenardson said. “Otherwise, they can apply online anywhere. The applications will be available at ptd.wyo.gov/OWNEROCC beginning Oct. 1.”
Long-term homeowner exemption
The Long-Term Homeowner Exemption (HB3 – 2024) provides a 50% exemption on the assessed taxable value of a qualifying homeowner’s primary residence and associated improved residential land — up to 35 acres. The filing period runs from Oct. 1 through May 26, 2026.
Previously qualifying homeowners can now file a short affidavit rather than the full application, while new applicants must complete the entire application form. Both will be available in the assessor’s office beginning Oct. 1.
To qualify as a new applicant, homeowners must:
• Be 65 years or older (applicant or spouse);
• Have paid Wyoming residential property taxes for 25 years or more; and
• Occupy their home for at least eight months each year.
Veterans’ exemption
The Veterans’ Exemption, according to information provided by Lenardson, offers a $6,000 reduction in assessed value that can be applied to either property taxes, vehicle registration or both. This benefit saves veterans about $400 on property tax or $180 on vehicle registration fees, with applications due May 26, 2026.
Property tax refund program
The Property Tax Refund Program, according to the same information, continues under the same rules as in 2025. Qualifying homeowners may receive up to 75% of the previous year’s property taxes paid, based on income and asset levels. Applicants must have lived in Wyoming for at least five years, and the deadline to apply is June 1, 2026.
More info can be found online at revenue.wyo.gov/property-tax-refund-program.
Legislative outlook
While the rules for the veterans’ exemption and refund program remain steady for now, Lenardson cautions that all exemptions and refund programs are subject to change during the upcoming 2026 budget session. She said that several draft bills are already moving through legislative committees that could affect property taxes statewide.
“As always, I’ll do my best to keep everyone informed of changes,” Lenardson said.
Residents with questions or in need of help applying are encouraged to contact the Weston County Assessor’s Office at (307) 746-4633 or assessor@westongov.com.
2026 property tax relief at a glance
4% cap on increases (Single-Family Residential Exemption).
While not something homeowners need to apply for, the 4% cap remains in effect and is automatically applied by the assessor’s office. This exemption limits annual increases in taxable value for residential improvements and residential land. If a property’s value increases by more than 4% in one year, the amount above that 4% increase is exempted.
This exemption is NOT applied if the home was acquired in the prior calendar year (new ownership), or if the residential structure is new construction or has added an addition to the structure, Lenardson said..
Homeowners will see the 4% cap exemption listed along with other property tax relief items on their Notice of Valuation mailed in April.