The Senior Freeze Exemption provides tax relief to eligible homeowners who meet age and income requirements (see below) and whose homes have drastically increased in value. It allows qualified seniors to apply to "freeze" their home's equalized assessed value (EAV) for the year in which they apply and qualify. This means that in future years, their property tax bill is calculated on the current year's EAV, but the previously "frozen" EAV. Those who qualify for and receive this exemption should be aware that it does not automatically freeze the amount of the tax bill. Only the EAV remains at the fixed amount. The local tax rates set by local municipalities, and how much a home has increased in value, can affect how much the Senior Freeze Exemption reduces a tax bill.