Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemptions by State

Updated: July 21, 2022
In this Article

    Veterans with service-connected disabilities are eligible for tax breaks and discounts in many states. In most cases, the tax breaks reduce taxes by lowering the property’s assessed value.

    Veterans and their spouses may be able to save thousands of dollars at tax time. But, not all states offer the same tax breaks, and qualifying criteria varies by state.

    Certain property tax exemptions may focus on the disability rather than on the applicant’s status as a veteran; other exemptions may be dependent on having a Department of Veterans Affairs-rated disability. Veterans may also need to register for tax benefits in some states and recertify their eligibility annually.

    State tax laws are always subject to change.

    Discuss your state’s tax exemptions for the current tax year with a professional to make sure the past year’s exemptions or other tax benefits apply in the current tax year.

    Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans by State

    Alabama Property Tax Exemptions

    • Homestead Exemptions: Under Alabama’s homestead exemption, residents – including veterans – who have a permanent and total disability are exempt from property taxes, regardless of their income or the assessed values of their homes. The Alabama Department of Revenue defines a homestead as a “single-family owner-occupied dwelling and the land thereto, not exceeding 160 acres.”
    • Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Specially Adapted Housing for Veterans: The ad valorem (property) tax break applies to veterans and their widows who purchased homes under a Department of Veterans Affairs special adapted housing grant. Veterans and un-remarried surviving spouses who qualify for the tax exemption don’t have to pay property taxes on their homes, as long as they own and occupy the home, according to the 2021 Code of Alabama.

    See all Alabama veterans’ benefits.

    Alaska Property Tax Exemption

    Seniors over the age of 65 and veterans with a VA disability rating of 50% or higher are exempt from Alaska taxation on “the first $150,000 of assessed valuation,” according to the Alaska State Office of Veterans Affairs. This tax exemption transfers to surviving spouses who are at least 60 years old.

    See all Alaska veterans’ benefits.

    Arizona Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans with a permanent disability rating may qualify for a $3,000 property assessment reduction on their primary residence, as long as the total assessed value does not exceed $27,498, according to the Arizona Department of Revenue. Surviving spouses may also qualify for the property tax exemption, depending on the assessed value of their homes and household income.

    See all Arizona veterans’ benefits.

    Arkansas Property Tax Exemptions

    Veterans and surviving unmarried spouses in Arkansas may qualify for a property tax exemption if the veteran has a 100% permanent and total disability rating or specific service-connected disabilities, according to the Arkansas VA.

    In addition, veterans with a disability who are 65 or older may also apply for an assessed value freeze at the county assessor’s office. With a freeze, their home’s assessed value will not increase as long as they own it.

    See all Arkansas veterans’ benefits.

    California Property Tax Exemptions

    California provides two levels of tax exemptions (basic and low-income) for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.

    To qualify for California’s disabled veterans’ exemption, veterans must be “rated 100% disabled or (receive compensation) at the 100% rate because of unemployability,” according to the California State Board of Equalization.

    The exemption varies annually according to inflation. In 2022, the basic exemption is $161,083. The low-income exemption is $241,627 for households earning no more than $72,335 per year.

    Senate Bill SB-1073, introduced in April 2022 could provide partial property tax exemptions to disabled veterans with less than a 100% disability rating.

    Senate Bill SB-1357 would extend a full property tax exemption to veterans who are fully blind or who have lost two or more limbs, regardless of their disability rating.

    See all California veterans’ benefits.

    Colorado Property Tax Exemption

    Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses can apply for a 50% property tax exemption on the first $200,000 of their primary residence’s actual property value. Veterans must have a 100% permanent disability rating to qualify.

    “VA unemployability awards do not meet the requirement for determining an applicant’s eligibility,” according to the Colorado Department of the Treasury.

    House Concurrent Resolution HCR21-1001, introduced in 2021 may expand eligibility to veterans with at least a 50% permanent disability rating.

    See all Colorado veterans’ benefits.

    Connecticut Property Tax Exemption

    Honorably discharged wartime veterans in Connecticut may qualify for a $1,500 property-tax exemption on the assessed value of their primary residences.

    To qualify, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty during wartime. According to MyArmyBenefits, the Army’s official military benefits website, individual municipalities also provide exemptions based on income or disability. In some cases, surviving spouses are also eligible for these tax breaks.

    See all Connecticut veterans’ benefits.

    Delaware Property Tax Exemption

    Beginning in 2022, eligible veterans can receive a “Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit” on their primary residences, according to Delaware’s Department of Finance. This tax credit applies only to the school tax portion of the property tax bill. To qualify, veterans must have lived in Delaware for the last three years and have a 100% permanent disability rating. Other restrictions may apply.

    In addition, individual counties may offer property tax exemptions.

    See all Delaware veterans’ benefits.

    Florida Property Tax Exemptions

    The state of Florida offers several property-tax exemptions for veterans and surviving spouses. Veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher may receive a $5,000 reduction in the assessed value of their property, according to Florida’s Department of Revenue. Veterans with a total and permanent disability rating may be exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residences. Senior veterans over age 65 who have a partial or total permanent disability rating may also qualify for a reduction in the assessed value of their homes. In some cases, exemptions may transfer to surviving spouses.

    See all Florida veterans’ benefits.

    Georgia Property Tax Exemptions

    Qualified veterans in Georgia may receive a property tax exemption for a primary residence of up to $50,000 plus an additional amount, which varies annually. In 2022, the additional sum is $93,356, according to Georgia’s Department of Veterans Service.

    Surviving spouses and surviving children may also be eligible for this property tax exemption.

    See all Georgia veterans’ benefits.

    Hawaii Property Tax Exemption

    The state of Hawaii offers disability tax exemptions, according to the County of Hawaii Real Property Tax Office. Those with impaired sight or hearing can receive a $50,000 tax exemption.

    Veterans with total disabilities may be eligible for a property tax exemption for up to 50% of the minimum taxable value. They may also qualify for other exemptions based on age and income.

    See all Hawaii veterans’ benefits.

    Idaho Property Tax Exemption

    Idaho veterans with a 100% service-connected disability and their surviving spouses may be eligible for a property tax reduction of up to $1,500 on a primary residence, according to the Idaho State Tax Commission.

    The benefit may be transferred to surviving spouses.

    See all Idaho veterans’ benefits.

    Illinois Property Tax Exemptions

    Qualifying Illinois veterans who have at least a 30% VA disability rating may qualify for property tax exemptions on a sliding scale based on the percentage of the disability rating, according to Illinois Revenue.

    VA-rated disabilities at 70% or higher are eligible for a full property tax exemption on a qualifying primary residence. Illinois veterans with service-connected disabilities who own specially adapted housing may receive an additional tax break.

    See all Illinois veterans’ benefits.

    Indiana Property Tax Exemptions

    According to the Indiana VA, the state offers two property tax deductions for veterans with disabilities:

    • Totally disabled veteran deduction: This deduction lowers a property’s assessed value by as much as $14,000 for veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating.
    • Partially disabled veteran reduction: Veterans with a disability rating of at least 10%, can reduce their property assessment by as much as $24,960.

    Veterans who qualify for both tax breaks can receive a total deduction of up to $38,960.

    Surviving spouses may be entitled to the same tax deductions. See all Indiana veterans’ benefits.

    Iowa Property Tax Exemptions

    The state of Iowa exempts qualifying veterans from state property taxes, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue. To qualify, veterans must have a 100% VA disability rating or receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program benefits.

    See all Iowa veterans’ benefits.

    Kansas Property Tax Refund

    Veterans with a VA disability rating of at least 50% and their un-remarried surviving spouses may apply for up to a $700 property tax refund, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

    See all Kansas veterans’ benefits.

    Kentucky Property Tax Exemptions

    Kentucky offers a homestead exemption based on age or disability, according to the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Disabled veterans can apply for this tax break to reduce the assessed value of their primary residence by up to $40,500 for 2022.

    The state adjusts the amount for inflation every two years. Veterans with a service-connected disability rated by the VA as permanent and total do not have to reapply for the benefit each year.

    See all Kentucky veterans’ benefits.

    Louisiana Property Tax Exemptions

    Louisiana offers a property tax exemption on the first $75,000 of the assessed value of a primary residence to all qualifying homeowners, according to the Louisiana VA.

    The state increases this exemption to $150,000 for veterans with a 100% VA rating for a service-connected disability or a 100% individual unemployability rating.

    A proposed 2022 amendment would exempt these veterans from paying any state property taxes and would also extend these tax benefits to surviving spouses.

    It would also create an additional tax exemption for veterans with at least a 50% VA disability rating.

    See all Louisiana veterans’ benefits.

    Maine Property Tax Exemptions

    Maine residents over age 62 who served in wartime and veterans with a 100% VA disability rating can apply for a $6,000 property tax exemption, according to the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services.

    Paraplegic veterans who received a federal grant for specially adapted housing can also apply for a $50,000 property tax exemption.

    See all Maine veterans’ benefits.

    Maryland Property Tax Exemptions

    Maryland veterans with a 100% VA disability rating may be exempt from all property taxes on their primary residence. While the normal deadline to apply for property tax exemptions is Sept. 1, veterans can apply for this benefit at any time, according to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Surviving spouses may also be eligible.

    See all Maryland veterans’ benefits.

    Massachusetts Property Tax Exemptions

    Massachusetts offers property-tax exemptions ranging from $400 to $1,500 for veterans with at least a 10% VA disability rating. Qualified veterans must also have lived in the state for at least six months before starting military service and must have resided in the state for a minimum of five years before applying for the exemption, according to the Massachusetts Citizen Information Service.

    See all Massachusetts veterans’ benefits.

    Michigan Property Tax Exemptions

    Qualifying veterans in Michigan may receive a full property tax exemption on their homesteads, according to the Michigan commonwealth secretary. This break applies to those with a 100% disability individual unemployability rating and those who receive specially-adapted housing assistance because of a service-connected disability. Surviving spouses are also eligible.

    See all Michigan veterans’ benefits.

    Minnesota Property Tax Exemptions

    In Minnesota, veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating may be eligible for a property tax valuation exemption of up to $300,000, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue Those with disability ratings at 70% or higher may be eligible for an exclusion of up to $150,000. A primary family caregiver may qualify for the exemption if the veteran does not own their home.

    See all Minnesota veterans’ benefits.

    Mississippi Property Tax Exemptions

    Veterans in Mississippi with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating are exempt “from all Ad Valorem taxes on the assessed value of homestead property,” according to the Mississippi VA.

    This exemption also applies to their unmarried surviving spouses. Additional exemptions may apply for some qualifying veterans.

    See all Mississippi veterans’ benefits.

    Missouri Property Tax Exemption

    Missouri senior and resident homeowners with a 100% VA disability rating can receive a property tax credit for up to $1,100. Renters can receive up to a $750 tax credit, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

    Former prisoners of war with a service-connected 100% VA disability rating are exempt from state property taxes.

    Senate Joint Resolution 40, proposed in Dec. 2021, would extend that exemption to all veterans with a total service-connected disability.

    See all Missouri veterans’ benefits.

    Montana Property Tax Exemptions

    The Montana Disabled Veterans Assistance Program offers property tax reductions for those veterans with a 100% VA disability rating. The benefit is income-based, with exemptions ranging from 50-100%. Surviving spouses may also be eligible.

    See all Montana veterans’ benefits.

    Nebraska Property Tax Exemption

    Disabled veterans who are Nebraska state residents may be eligible for a homestead exemptions if they fall into one of these categories:

    • Seniors over the age of 65
    • Veterans with wartime service with a total non-service connected disability or illness
    • Qualified disabled individuals
    • Qualified totally disabled veterans and their surviving spouses
    • Veterans (and their spouses) whose homes the VA substantially contributed to
    • Individuals with a developmental disability

    These tax exemptions are for primary residences.

    According to the Nebraska Department of Revenue, veterans with service-connected disability with a VA rating of 100% are exempt from paying state property taxes, regardless of income level or value of the property. In many cases, surviving spouses may be eligible to apply.

    The amount of the exemption for all other categories ranges from 0 to 100% depending on household income and the assessed value of the property.

    See all Nebraska veterans’ benefits.

    Nevada Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rating of 60% or higher may qualify for Nevada’s disabled veteran’s exemption. In 2022, the property tax exemption ranges from $14,600 to $29,200, depending on the disability rating.

    Wartime veterans without disabilities and surviving spouses may also qualify for a property tax exemption.

    See all Nevada veterans’ benefits.

    New Hampshire Property Tax Exemptions

    Veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating, and those with certain qualifying service-connected medical conditions can receive a $700 property tax credit, according to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. Cities and towns may offer higher tax credits of up to $4,000.

    Veterans may also qualify for other tax credits, including a standard $50 tax credit for all veterans, which municipalities may increase up to $500.

    These tax credits also apply to surviving spouses.

    See all New Hampshire veterans’ benefits.

    New Jersey Property Tax Exemptions

    New Jersey veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating may be eligible for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence, according to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. Surviving spouses may also qualify in some circumstances. In addition, veterans with active-duty service may qualify for the annual $250 veterans property tax deduction.

    See all New Jersey veterans’ benefits.

    New Mexico Property Tax Exemption

    Any New Mexico veteran with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating may apply for a complete waiver of all property taxes for their primary residence, according to the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services. Other veterans may qualify for tax exemptions of up to $4,000 of their assessed property values.

    See all New Mexico veterans’ benefits.

    New York Property Tax Exemptions

    According to the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, veterans may be eligible for one of three property tax exemptions for their primary residences.

    • Alternative Veterans’ Exemption: Veterans who served in a designated period of war or who are expeditionary medal recipients.
    • Cold War Veterans’ Exemption: Veterans who served during the Cold War can receive this exemption. Qualified veterans with a service-connected disability may receive additional tax exemptions.
    • Eligible Funds Exemption: Veterans who purchase a property with pension, bonus, or insurance money may be eligible for a partial exemption.

    They are available in most, but not all, tax jurisdictions and apply to county and municipal taxes and may apply to school district taxes. These exemptions aren’t specifically for disabled veterans.

    See all New York veterans’ benefits.

    North Carolina Property Tax Exemptions

    North Carolina veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability or individual unemployability rating may qualify for the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exclusion on the first $45,000 of their assessed property value. Spouses who are co-owners can also receive a $45,000 reduction if they are individually eligible for the benefit, for a total exemption of $90,000.

    Senate Bill 821, proposed in 2022, would remove the $45,000 limit and exempt the full assessed value of the property.

    See all North Carolina veterans’ benefits.

    North Dakota Property Tax Exemption

    North Dakota veterans with a service-connected VA disability rating of 50% or higher may qualify for a property tax credit, according to the North Dakota tax commissioner’s office. The credit applies to the assessed value of the homestead. Amounts range between $4,050 and $8,100, depending on the disability rating.

    See all North Dakota veterans’ benefits.

    Ohio Property Tax Exemptions

    Ohio veterans with a 100% VA service-connected disability rating may be eligible for a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 for primary residences, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible.

    Senate Bill 268, introduced in 2021, would remove the $50,000 cap and extend the exemption to all honorably discharged veterans.

    See all Ohio veterans’ benefits.

    Oklahoma Property Tax Exemptions

    Oklahoma exempts qualifying veterans and surviving spouses from property taxes on their personal residences, according to the Oklahoma Policy Institute. To qualify, veterans must have a 100% VA disability rating.

    See all Oklahoma veterans’ benefits.

    Oregon Property Tax Exemption

    According to the Oregon Department of Revenue, qualifying disabled veterans and surviving spouses in Oregon may apply for an income-based Oregon property tax exemption on their primary residences. Veterans must have a VA disability rating of 40% or higher to qualify.

    See all Oregon veterans’ benefits.

    Pennsylvania Property Tax Exemptions

    According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the state offers a need-based, income-qualifying property tax exemption for primary residences when the veteran has a 100% disability rating resulting from wartime service.

    See all Pennsylvania veterans’ benefits.

    Rhode Island Property Tax Exemptions

    Qualifying Rhode Island veterans may receive a property tax credit or a reduction on the assessed value of their primary residence, according to the Department of Revenue, Division of Municipal Finance. The amounts of these exemptions and eligibility vary by municipality and other factors.

    Some Rhode Island municipalities offer exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Gold Star families, those who have specially adapted housing and others. Check with your local government for more information.

    See all Rhode Island veterans’ benefits.

    South Carolina Property Tax Exemption

    South Carolina veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for a full tax exemption on their principal residences and up to five acres of land, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Veterans must have a 100% VA disability rating to qualify. However, Medal of Honor winners and former prisoners of war are also eligible.

    See all South Carolina veterans’ benefits.

    South Dakota Property Tax Exemptions

    According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, veterans who are residents of the state may qualify for property tax exemptions of $150,000 of the value of their primary residences. The veteran must have a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating to qualify.

    See all South Dakota veterans’ benefits.

    Tennessee Property Tax Exemptions

    According to the Tennessee VA, veterans in Tennessee who meet the following criteria may qualify for state property tax exemptions on a maximum of $175,000 of the assessed value of their primary residences:

    • 100% VA disability rating for a service-connected injury or illness
    • Paraplegia
    • Permanent paralysis of both legs and lower part of the body resulting from traumatic injury or disease to the spinal cord or brain
    • Loss or loss of use of two or more limbs
    • Legal blindness

    Un-remarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible for property tax exemptions for their primary residence.

    See all Tennessee veterans’ benefits.

    Texas Property Tax Exemptions

    Texas veterans with VA disability ratings of 10% or more may qualify for property tax exemptions, according to the Texas comptroller’s office. Those with a 100% disability rating may receive a full exemption on their property taxes.

    Partial exemptions begin at $5,000 for veterans with a 10-29% VA disability rating and increase to $12,000 for veterans with a 70-100% VA disability rating.

    Veterans over age 65 with at least a 10% VA disability rating may qualify for an additional $12,000 property tax exemption.

    See all Texas veterans’ benefits.

    Utah Property Tax Exemption

    Utah veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher may qualify for a property tax exemption on their primary residence, according to the Utah State Tax Commission. Exemptions are based on the percentage of disability, up to a maximum $283,964 exemption for a 100% VA disability rating in 2022.

    Surviving spouses and orphaned minor children of honorably discharged veterans with at least a 10% disability rating may also qualify for the exemption.

    See all Utah veterans’ benefits.

    Vermont Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans in Vermont may qualify for property tax exemptions beginning at $10,000 on a primary residence, according to the Vermont tax department.

    Municipalities may increase the exemption to a maximum of $40,000.

    To qualify, veterans must be receiving:

    • Disability compensation for a disability with a rating of 50% or higher
    • Non-service connected pension, AKA the “improved pension”
    • Military retirement pay for a permanent medical military retirement

    Surviving unmarried spouses may also be eligible.

    See all Vermont veterans’ benefits.

    Virginia Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans with a 100% VA rating for a service-connected disability may qualify for a full exemption on Virginia state property taxes on their primary residence, according to the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs.

    Surviving spouses may also qualify.

    See all Virginia veterans’ benefits.

    Washington Property Tax Exemption

    Washington veterans may qualify for need-based property tax exemptions on their primary residence, provided they have a VA disability rating of at least 80%, according to the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs.

    Surviving spouses may also be eligible.

    See all Washington veterans’ benefits.

    West Virginia Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans may be exempt from property taxes on the first $20,000 of the assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence, according to the West Virginia tax department To qualify, veterans must have a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating.

    See all West Virginia veterans’ benefits.

    Wisconsin Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans with a 100% VA disability rating and their surviving spouses may qualify for Wisconsin property tax credits for the full amount of the taxes paid on a primary residence, according to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Veterans must have been state residents upon entry into military service or for five years after beginning military service.

    See all Wisconsin veterans’ benefits.

    Wyoming Property Tax Exemption

    According to an Army list of state veteran benefits, veterans in Wyoming may qualify for a property tax exemption of $3,000 of the assessed value of a primary residence.

    The veteran must have a VA disability rating and must have been a state resident for at least three years at application time. If the property tax exemption is not used toward a home, veterans may apply it toward a motor vehicle license fee.

    See all Wyoming veterans’ benefits.

    District of Columbia Property Tax Exemption

    The District of Columbia offers property tax relief for residents over age 65 and residents living with a disability. The benefit reduces an applicant’s property taxes by 50%.

    Applicants must own at least 50% of their property and fall within annual income limits. For more information, visit the Office of Tax and Revenue.

    See all Washington, D.C. veterans’ benefits.

    Written by Veteran.com Team