Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans by State: Complete 2026 Guide

Property tax exemptions are among the most valuable state-level benefits available to disabled veterans. Depending on where you live, you could save anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $10,000 or more per year in property taxes. Several states offer full 100% property tax exemptions for totally disabled veterans, meaning you pay zero property tax on your primary residence.

Overview of Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans

Nearly every state in the U.S. offers some form of property tax relief for disabled veterans, but the eligibility requirements and exemption amounts vary dramatically. Key factors include:

• Your VA disability rating (most states require a minimum rating)
• Whether your disability is service-connected
• Your state of residence
• Whether the property is your primary residence (homestead)
• Income limits (some states have income thresholds)
• Application deadlines (typically annual or one-time filings)

The most generous exemptions are reserved for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled, but many states offer partial exemptions starting at lower rating levels.

States with Full (100%) Property Tax Exemptions

These states offer a complete property tax exemption on the primary residence for qualifying disabled veterans—meaning you pay $0 in property taxes:

Texas

• Eligibility: 100% disability rating or individual unemployability (TDIU)
• Exemption: Full exemption on primary residence, no limit on home value
• Surviving spouse: Retains full exemption as long as they don't remarry and continue to reside in the home
• Notes: One of the most generous programs in the country; also offers partial exemptions starting at any disability rating ($5,000 exemption for any rated veteran)

Florida

• Eligibility: 100% permanently and totally disabled (or service-connected total disability)
• Exemption: Full exemption on primary residence
• Surviving spouse: Retains exemption until remarriage or sale of home
• Notes: Also offers a $5,000 exemption for any honorably discharged veteran with a disability, plus discounts for partially disabled veterans (10%+ rating)

Virginia

• Eligibility: 100% permanently and totally disabled (service-connected)
• Exemption: Full exemption on primary residence
• Surviving spouse: Retains exemption if they don't remarry
• Notes: No income limit; the exemption applies to the home and up to one acre of land

Alabama

• Eligibility: 100% permanently and totally disabled (service-connected)
• Exemption: Full exemption on primary residence (up to 160 acres)
• Surviving spouse: Retains exemption
• Notes: Also exempts veterans from all state and county ad valorem taxes on property

Arkansas

• Eligibility: 100% permanently and totally disabled (service-connected)
• Exemption: Full exemption on primary residence
• Surviving spouse: May retain exemption
• Notes: Must apply through the county assessor's office

Additional States with Full Exemptions

Other states offering full or near-full property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans include:

• Illinois – Full exemption for 70%+ service-connected disability on homes up to $750,000 in assessed value
• Michigan – Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans
• New Hampshire – Full exemption available (determined by local municipality)
• New Mexico – Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans
• Oklahoma – Full exemption on primary residence for 100% disabled veterans
• South Carolina – Full exemption on primary residence for totally and permanently disabled veterans

States with Partial Exemptions by Rating Level

Many states offer graduated exemptions based on your disability rating:

Generous Partial Exemption States

Maryland

• 100% disabled: Full exemption
• Less than 100%: Exemption proportional to disability rating on first $400,000 of assessed value

Oregon

• Varies by disability rating: Exemptions range from $18,000 to $28,045 off assessed value
• Available at any disability rating level

Colorado

• 100% disabled: 50% exemption on first $200,000 of assessed value
• Available for 100% disabled veterans (service-connected)

Arizona

• Exemption of $3,000 off assessed value for veterans with 10%+ disability
• Additional exemption for total disability: up to $4,476 off assessed value (adjusted annually)

California

• Basic exemption: $4,000 off assessed value for qualified veterans
• Disabled veterans: $161,083 or $241,627 off assessed value (income-dependent)
• 100% disabled with low income: Full exemption in some counties

Georgia

• 100% disabled: Up to $109,986 exemption from property taxes
• Partial ratings: Varies by county

States with Dollar-Amount Exemptions

Some states provide a fixed dollar amount off your property tax bill or assessed value:

How to Apply for Your Property Tax Exemption

The application process varies by state, but generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Most states require:

• VA disability rating letter (or VA Summary of Benefits letter)
• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
• Proof of homeownership (deed or mortgage statement)
• Proof of residency (utility bill, driver's license with current address)
• Application form (from your county assessor or tax office)

Step 2: Contact Your County Assessor

Property tax exemptions are administered at the county level in most states. Contact your county assessor's office or tax collector's office to:

• Confirm your eligibility
• Get the correct application form
• Learn about filing deadlines
• Ask about retroactive exemptions (some states allow back-filing)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Deadline: Most states require applications by a specific date (often April 1 or before the tax year begins)
• Renewal: Some states require annual renewal; others grant a permanent exemption after initial approval
• Processing time: Typically 30-90 days for approval

Income and Residency Requirements

Income Limits

Most states with full exemptions for 100% disabled veterans do not impose income limits. However, some states with partial exemptions or exemptions for lower-rated veterans do have income thresholds:

• California: Income limit of approximately $72,335 for the higher exemption amount
• Connecticut: Income limits apply for the standard veteran exemption
• New York: Income limits vary by municipality

Residency Requirements

Almost universally, the property must be your primary residence (homestead). Key rules include:

• You must live in the home as your primary dwelling
• The property must be in the state granting the exemption
• You generally cannot claim exemptions in multiple states
• Some states require a minimum residency period (typically 1 year)

How Surviving Spouses Can Retain the Exemption

One of the most important aspects of veteran property tax exemptions is surviving spouse protection. In most states:

• The surviving spouse retains the full exemption as long as they continue living in the home
• The exemption typically ends if the surviving spouse remarries (though some states allow retention even after remarriage)
• Some states require the spouse to file a separate application to continue the exemption
• The exemption may transfer if the spouse moves to a new primary residence within the same state (varies by state)

States with Strong Surviving Spouse Protections

• Texas: Spouse retains full exemption; no remarriage restriction on the exemption itself
• Florida: Spouse retains exemption until remarriage or sale
• Virginia: Spouse retains exemption if they don't remarry
• Illinois: Spouse retains exemption for as long as they occupy the home

How the Benefits Finder Shows Your State's Tax Exemptions

Finding your state's specific property tax exemption can be confusing—eligibility rules, exemption amounts, and application processes differ across all 50 states. The Veterans Benefits Finder simplifies this by analyzing your disability rating, state of residence, and homeownership status to show you exactly which property tax benefits you qualify for.

The tool identifies:

• Your state's specific exemption (full or partial) based on your disability rating
• Estimated annual savings based on typical property values in your area
• Application requirements and where to apply
• Additional state tax benefits you may qualify for (income tax exemptions, vehicle tax waivers, etc.)

Property tax exemptions are just one category of state benefits. Many disabled veterans also qualify for state income tax exemptions, free vehicle registration, reduced utility rates, education benefits for dependents, and more—all surfaced by the Benefits Finder based on your unique profile.