Laws vary from state to state, but property tax is often a locally assessed and locally administered tax (by counties)—and in those states there is no state property tax. Property tax brings in the most money of all taxes available to local government to pay for schools, roads, police and firemen, emergency response services, libraries, parks, and other services provided by local government.

Most states offer a variety of partial or total (absolute) exemptions from appraised property values used to determine local property taxes. A partial exemption removes a percentage or a fixed dollar amount of a property's value from taxation. A total (absolute) exemption excludes the entire property from taxation. Taxing units (government entities) may be required by the state to offer certain (mandatory) exemptions and have the option to decide locally on whether or not to offer others (local option).

Exemptions from property tax usually require the taxpayer to apply for the exemption. Applications for property tax exemptions are filed with appraisal districts, and deadlines may vary. Appraisal district chief appraisers are responsible for determining whether a property qualifies for an exemption.
Exemptions are usually located in a state’s tax code (statutes) and exemption requirements are often extensive. Property owners should read these statutes carefully.

Common exemptions are for properties that qualify as a residence homestead or are eligible for charitable, religious, or agricultural exemptions, as provided by the state’s tax laws. Disabled persons, senior citizens (age 65 or older), veterans, and surviving spouses of veterans who were killed in action (KIA) are also eligible for exemptions in some states.

In West Virginia, property tax is primarily a local tax administered by county officials. It is a significant source of revenue for local governments, funding essential services such as education, infrastructure, public safety, and community amenities. West Virginia does not have a state property tax. The state's tax code provides for various exemptions that can reduce the taxable value of property, including partial and total exemptions. Common exemptions include those for primary residences (homestead exemption), as well as for properties used for charitable, religious, or agricultural purposes. Additionally, West Virginia offers property tax relief for certain groups such as seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans. To benefit from these exemptions, property owners must apply through their local county assessor's office, and deadlines for applications can vary. It is important for property owners to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and deadlines for exemptions in their county, as these are detailed in the West Virginia tax code and related statutes.