‘Don’t Leave Money on the Table’: Albany County Assessor Urges Homeowners to Claim Tax Breaks

The original story by Doug Randall for KGAB AM 650.

Albany County homeowners are being reminded they may qualify for some serious property tax relief — but only if they apply on time.

County Assessor Chelsie Mathews is urging residents to check whether they’re eligible for two statewide property tax exemptions that can lower their bill in the coming years:

• The Long-Term Homeowners Exemption (for tax years 2025 and 2026 only);
• The Homeowners Exemption (starting in 2026).

These programs apply across all of Wyoming, not just in Albany County, but you’ll need to apply through your local county assessor’s office.

This is the big one for longtime residents and older homeowners.

To qualify, all of the following must be true:

1. You or your spouse are 65 or older.

2. You or your spouse have paid residential property tax in Wyoming for at least 25 years.

• The 25 years do not have to be consecutive.
• They also don’t have to be on the same house or in the same county.

3. The property is your primary residence, and you live there at least 8 months out of the year.

If you qualify, this exemption can:

• Cut 50% of your property tax bill on your primary residence,
• And apply to the home plus up to 35 acres of land.

Application deadline: the 4th Monday in May each year. Albany County residents can apply online through the county assessor; homeowners in other counties should contact their own assessor’s office for forms.

This one is broader and covers many types of homes — but it works a little differently.

You may qualify if:

1. The property is a residential single-family structure, such as:

• A house
• Modular home
• Mobile home
• Townhome
• Individual condo unit
  …plus the associated land

1. The home is intended for people to live in and is actually habitable.

2. For tax year 2026 and beyond, it must be your primary residence (you live there at least 8 months of the year).

3. Important: If you’re already getting the Long-Term Homeowners Exemption, you cannot also get the Homeowners Exemption until tax year 2027.

Application deadline: February 1 each year. You can apply online or in person at your local county assessor’s office.

If you own a home in Wyoming — especially if you’re 65+ and have lived and paid property taxes here for decades — you could be leaving real money on the table if you don’t apply.

The clock is ticking on both programs, so Mathews’ message is simple: Check your eligibility, talk to your county assessor, and get the paperwork in before the deadlines.