List of Veteran Property Tax Exemptions By State
Across the United States, most states have introduced property tax relief programs specifically designed to ease the financial burden on disabled Veterans. These programs recognize the sacrifices Veterans have made and aim to provide meaningful savings on property taxes.
“Disabled Veterans have access to one of the most significant financial benefits available,” said Mike Frueh, former National Director of the VA Home Loan program. “In nearly every state, you can work with your local tax office to reduce or even eliminate property taxes on your home. It’s an incredible opportunity for savings.”
For many Veterans, this benefit can translate into thousands of dollars saved annually.
Are Property Taxes Waived for Veterans?
Property tax exemptions for Veterans vary widely depending on the state, county, or city where the Veteran resides. These exemptions typically apply to a Veteran’s primary residence, and eligibility often depends on factors such as the VA disability rating and local tax laws.
Some states offer full property tax exemptions for Veterans with a 100% disability rating, while others provide partial relief for those with lower ratings. In certain areas, even non-disabled Veterans can qualify for reduced taxes as a recognition of their service.
Understanding Property Tax Exemptions
Each state has unique criteria for qualifying for property tax exemptions, including varying levels of tax relief based on disability percentage and other factors. In addition, local governments may offer additional exemptions that go beyond state-level programs.
It’s important for Veterans to understand not only their state’s requirements but also any potential county or city-specific benefits. Contacting the local tax assessor’s office can ensure you’re taking full advantage of these programs.
State-by-State Overview of Exemptions
The details of property tax relief programs can differ significantly between states, counties, and municipalities. For a clearer picture of what might apply to you, it’s essential to review your state’s specific requirements and reach out to local authorities for precise information. By exploring these benefits, Veterans can potentially unlock significant savings while securing financial stability for themselves and their families.
| State | Minimum Disability Requirement |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Disabled Veterans may receive a full property tax exemption with a 100% disability rating or age 65+. The property cannot exceed 160 acres and must be a single-family home listed as the Veteran’s primary residence. |
| Alaska | Veterans with a 50% or more disability rating may receive a property tax exemption up to the first $150,000 of the assessed value. The exemption can transfer to a spouse if the Veteran has passed, provided the spouse is at least 60 years old. |
| Arizona | Totally and permanently disabled Veterans may qualify for a property tax exemption of up to $4,188 on their primary residence. The property’s assessed value cannot exceed $28,458, and the Veteran must be a permanent resident of Arizona. |
| Arkansas | Disabled Veterans with a 100% disability rating, loss of limb, or blindness can receive a full property tax exemption for all state taxes on homestead and personal property. Surviving unmarried spouses and dependent children may also qualify if the Veteran passes. |
| California | Veterans with a 100% disability rating or unemployability compensation may qualify for property tax exemptions of up to $161,083 or $241,627 for those with household incomes below $72,335. The property must be the Veteran’s primary residence. |
| Colorado | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive a 50% property tax exemption on the first $200,000 of the property’s value. Eligible Veterans over 65 or active duty personnel may also qualify. |
| Connecticut | Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability are eligible for a full property tax exemption on their dwelling. Tax bills reflecting this exemption will begin in FY 2026. |
| Delaware | Veterans with a 100% disability rating and at least three years of Delaware residency may qualify for a tax credit covering 100% of non-vocational school district property taxes. |
| Florida | Veterans with a 10% disability rating may receive a $5,000 tax deduction. Those with a 100% disability rating are eligible for a full property tax exemption. Additional exemptions may apply for Veterans over age 65 and surviving spouses. |
| Georgia | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may qualify for a $50,000 property tax exemption, plus an additional indexed amount, currently $98,492 (2023), for county, municipal, and school taxes. |
| Hawaii | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Exemptions may vary by county. |
| Idaho | Veterans with a 100% disability rating or unemployability compensation can reduce their property taxes by $1,500. The home must be a primary residence with a homeowner’s exemption. Mobile homes are eligible. |
| Illinois | Exemptions depend on disability ratings, ranging from partial to full exemptions for specially adapted housing or returning from active duty. Surviving spouses may also qualify. |
| Indiana | Veterans with a 10% disability rating may receive property tax exemptions of up to $24,960, depending on service history. Veterans aged 62+ with a 10% rating may qualify for $14,000 exemptions. |
| Iowa | Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a full property tax exemption. Exemptions apply to one property up to 40 acres in rural areas or 1/2 acre in urban areas. |
| Kansas | Veterans with a 50% disability rating or greater are eligible for property tax exemptions. Specific qualifications apply based on age, blindness, or dependents, with refunds capped at $700. |
| Kentucky | Veterans aged 65+ or with a total disability from military service may qualify for a $46,350 exemption for their primary residence. This amount adjusts annually for inflation. |
| Louisiana | Veterans with a 100% disability or unemployability rating may qualify for a full property tax exemption. Partial exemptions up to $120,000 apply for disability ratings below 100%. |
| Maine | Veterans aged 62+ or with a 100% disability rating may qualify for up to $6,000 in property tax exemptions. Federal grants for specially adapted housing can increase this amount to $50,000. |
| Maryland | Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for full property tax exemptions on their primary residence. Surviving spouses of service members killed in action may also qualify. |
| Massachusetts | Veterans with disabilities ranging from 10%-100% may receive property tax exemptions between $400 and $1,500, depending on the severity of the disability and specific conditions. |
| Michigan | Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for full property tax exemptions on their primary residence. Active duty personnel may qualify for homestead tax relief. |
| Minnesota | Veterans with a 70%-100% disability rating may receive property tax exemptions ranging from $150,000 to $300,000. Surviving spouses may also qualify. |
| Mississippi | Veterans with total service-connected disabilities are exempt from all property taxes on their homestead. Unmarried surviving spouses may also qualify. |
| Missouri | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive up to $1,100 in property tax credits for their primary residence. Former POWs also qualify. |
| Montana | Veterans with a 100% disability rating and their spouses may qualify for exemptions based on income and marital status. |
| Nebraska | Veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible for property tax exemptions based on marital status and total household income. |
| Nevada | Veterans with a disability rating of 40% or higher may qualify for property tax exemptions ranging from $15,400 to $30,800, depending on the disability level. |
| New Hampshire | Permanently disabled Veterans, including paraplegics or double amputees, may qualify for tax credits up to $4,000 or full exemptions for specially adapted homesteads. |
| New Jersey | Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability may qualify for full property tax exemptions. Applicants must be New Jersey residents. |
| New Mexico | Veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible for full property tax exemptions on their primary residence. |
| New York | Veterans may qualify for one of three exemptions for county, city, town, or village taxes. Applications must be submitted by spring deadlines. |
| North Carolina | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive a $45,000 property tax exemption for their primary residence. |
| North Dakota | Veterans with a 50% disability rating are eligible for tax reductions of up to $8,100. Paraplegic Veterans may qualify for higher exemptions. |
| Ohio | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive property tax exemptions on up to $50,000 of market value. |
| Oklahoma | Veterans with a 100% disability rating and honorably discharged are fully exempt from property taxes on their primary residence. Surviving spouses may also qualify. |
| Oregon | Veterans with a disability rating of 40% or higher may qualify for annual exemptions that adjust based on income. Exemptions for 2023 range from $24,793 to $29,753. |
| Pennsylvania | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may qualify for full property tax exemptions based on financial need and income thresholds. |
| Rhode Island | Property tax exemptions vary by county and Veteran category, including totally disabled, partially disabled, or surviving spouses. |
| South Carolina | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive property tax exemptions on homes and up to two vehicles. Medal of Honor recipients and POWs may also qualify. |
| South Dakota | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive property tax exemptions up to $150,000. Paraplegic Veterans qualify for full exemptions. |
| Tennessee | Veterans with total service-connected disabilities are eligible for tax relief on properties valued up to $175,000. Surviving spouses may also qualify. |
| Texas | Veterans with a 100% disability rating are fully exempt from property taxes. Partial exemptions range from $5,000 to $12,000 based on disability ratings of 10%-99%. |
| Utah | Veterans with a disability rating of 10% or higher may receive property tax abatements. The exemption amount depends on the disability rating, with a maximum of $275,699 for 100% disability. |
| Vermont | Veterans with a 50% disability rating or higher may qualify for property tax exemptions of at least $10,000. Surviving spouses and dependents may also qualify. |
| Virginia | Veterans with permanent and total disabilities may receive full property tax exemptions for their primary residence. Surviving spouses may also qualify. |
| Washington | Veterans with an 80% disability rating or higher may qualify for property tax relief based on income and property value. |
| West Virginia | Veterans with a 90%-100% disability rating may qualify for tax credits for residential properties used exclusively as a homestead. |
| Wisconsin | Veterans with a 100% disability rating and five years of state residency may qualify for property tax credits on homes up to one acre. |
| Wyoming | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive exemptions of $3,000 on property assessments. Surviving spouses may also apply. |
| District of Columbia | Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive property tax exemptions up to $445,000, subject to income and household eligibility. |
How Do Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions Work?
Property tax exemptions provide a valuable benefit to disabled Veterans by reducing the taxable value of their homes, which in turn lowers the property taxes owed. Essentially, the exemption subtracts a specific amount from the assessed value of your home. For instance, if your home is valued at $200,000 and your state offers a $10,000 exemption, you would only pay taxes on $190,000.
These exemptions vary widely by state, and understanding the process can help you maximize your savings. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how property tax exemptions typically work:
1. Obtain Your VA Disability Rating
The process begins with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigning a disability rating. This rating is based on the severity of service-connected conditions and ranges from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10%. Veterans with a 100% rating may qualify for the highest level of property tax relief, though partial exemptions are often available for lower ratings.
There are two primary ways to achieve a 100% rating:
- Single Condition: A single service-connected condition rated at 100%.
- Combined Conditions: Multiple service-connected conditions that together add up to a combined 100% rating.
Once you have your VA disability rating letter, you are eligible to apply for property tax exemptions.
2. Submit Your Property Tax Exemption Application
Each state and county has specific requirements for applying for property tax exemptions. You’ll typically need to contact your local tax assessor’s office or visit their website to locate the application. Most applications require the following documentation:
- VA Disability Rating Letter: Proof of your service-connected disability rating.
- Proof of Residency: Documentation showing that the property is your primary residence.
- Government-Issued Identification: A valid ID to confirm your identity.
Additional forms or affidavits may be required depending on your state’s rules. Your local tax assessor’s office can guide you through any additional steps or paperwork.
3. Processing and Approval
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the local tax assessor’s office. If approved, you’ll receive an official notice confirming your exemption, detailing the amount and how it will be applied to your property tax bill.
4. Enjoy the Benefits of Your Exemption
After approval, the property tax exemption is applied directly to your assessed home value. This lowers your overall tax bill and provides immediate savings. For example:
- Home Value: $250,000
- Exemption Amount: $20,000
- Taxable Value: $230,000 (property taxes will only be calculated on this amount)
5. Renew Your Exemption as Needed
In some states, property tax exemptions are automatically renewed each year, while others require an annual renewal or recertification. Be sure to check with your local tax office to understand the renewal process and deadlines.
Can Veterans Combine Exemptions?
In many cases, you may be eligible to combine multiple property tax exemptions, further reducing your taxable home value. Common additional exemptions include:
- Homestead Exemptions: For primary residences.
- Senior Exemptions: For homeowners over a certain age.
- Income-Based Exemptions: For those within specific income thresholds.
Some states allow the full benefits of multiple exemptions to be applied, while others may limit the total amount or require you to choose the largest single exemption.
Key Considerations for Veterans
While property tax exemptions can offer significant savings, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Eligibility Varies: Not all states offer the same level of benefits. Some require a 100% disability rating, while others provide partial exemptions for lower ratings.
- Local Rules Apply: Counties and cities often have additional requirements or benefits beyond the state-level exemptions.
- Annual Renewals: Stay on top of renewal requirements to ensure continued eligibility.
- Not All Veterans Qualify: Eligibility depends on factors like disability rating, residency, and property use.
Maximize Your Veteran Benefits
Property tax exemptions are just one of many benefits available to disabled Veterans. If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s worth planning ahead to incorporate these savings into your budget. Additionally, consulting with a tax professional or local Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can help ensure you’re leveraging all the resources available to you.
For more guidance on how property tax exemptions work in your state, reach out to your local tax assessor’s office or explore state-specific requirements to unlock the full financial advantages you’ve earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
These exemptions reduce or eliminate property taxes for eligible disabled veterans, lowering the taxable value of their primary residence.
Who qualifies for these exemptions?
Eligibility criteria differ by state but generally require a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Some states offer full exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, while others provide partial exemptions based on lower disability ratings.
How do I apply for a property tax exemption?
Applications are typically submitted through your local county tax assessor’s office. You’ll need to provide documentation such as your VA disability rating letter, proof of residency, and identification.
Can surviving spouses benefit from these exemptions?
Many states extend property tax exemptions to unmarried surviving spouses of eligible disabled veterans. Specific conditions vary, so it’s important to check your state’s regulations.
Are these exemptions available for properties other than my primary residence?
Generally, these exemptions apply only to the veteran’s primary residence. However, some states may have different provisions.
Do I need to reapply annually?
Some states require annual renewal or recertification, while others grant the exemption indefinitely once approved. Consult your local tax assessor’s office for specific requirements.
Can I combine multiple exemptions?
Depending on state laws, you may be able to combine exemptions, such as those for disabled veterans and senior citizens, to further reduce your property tax burden.
How does my disability rating affect the exemption amount?
The exemption amount often correlates with your disability rating. For example, in Texas, a 100% disability rating grants a full property tax exemption, while lower ratings provide partial exemptions.
What if I move to a different state?
Property tax exemptions are state-specific. If you move, you’ll need to apply for the exemption in your new state, adhering to its eligibility criteria and application process.
Where can I find detailed information for my state?
State and local government websites, particularly the Department of Revenue or Taxation, provide detailed information on property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Additionally, local veterans’ affairs offices can offer guidance.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult your local tax assessor’s office or state Department of Veterans Affairs.