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Governor Meyer Signs Bipartisan Property Tax Relief and Reform Package

August 14, 2025

New laws provide refunds, flexible payment options, and safeguards against sharp increases following statewide reassessment

DOVER — Last night, Governor Matt Meyer signed a series of bipartisan reforms aimed at providing immediate relief to Delaware homeowners facing sharp property tax increases, while ensuring fairness following the statewide property reassessment.

The new laws establish fairer tax rates, ease the burden on homeowners, offer flexible payment plan options, and authorize refunds for property owners who overpaid — all while maintaining essential resources for school districts. The legislation also mandates a review of the assessment process and calls for recommendations to improve future reassessments.

“Delaware for generations has prided itself on quality schools and affordable communities,” said Governor Meyer. “We still, together, have a lot of work to do, but today’s special session was a step in the right direction.”

Signed Bills Include:

  • House Bill 240: Authorizes counties to issue refunds to taxpayers for property taxes overpaid by more than $50 in the year following a reassessment.

  • House Bill 241: Authorizes counties to offer payment plans for school and county taxes if a taxpayer’s bill increases by $300 or more from the previous year. Late payment penalties for anyone under a payment plan are suspended, and all other late penalties in New Castle County are reduced from 5% to 1%, matching Kent and Sussex counties. This bill sunsets three years after becoming law.

  • House Bill 242: Allows school districts in New Castle County to revise tax rates for the 2025–2026 school year by setting separate residential and non-residential rates, adjusting the balance between the two categories, while ensuring there is no increase in total revenue — protecting taxpayers from large tax increases.

  • Senate Bill 203: Codifies the authority for counties to set different property tax rates for residential and non-residential properties.

  • Senate Bill 204: Codifies the authority for municipalities to set different property tax rates for residential and non-residential properties.

  • Senate Concurrent Resolution 122: Orders a comprehensive review of the reassessment process and development of recommendations for future improvements.