Veterans’ benefits can vary wildly from state to state. Some offer full property tax exemptions for those with 100% VA ratings; others have sliding scales based on disability percentage. These laws are real and enforceable. The following states have well-documented veteran property tax relief or similar benefits that will make a difference.
1. Alabama
Veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating in Alabama may receive a full property tax exemption on their homestead (primary residence). Alabama 100% disabled veterans qualify for full exemption.
The exemption applies only to homes used as primary residences, and there may be acreage limits. Surviving spouses may also be eligible in many cases, depending on local county laws. It’s one of the stronger property tax benefits in the country for veterans.
2. Colorado
Colorado voters approved “Referendum E,” which gives qualified disabled veterans (with 100% permanent VA disability) a partial property tax exemption by reducing the taxable value of their home. Qualified veterans receive property tax relief under state constitutional amendment.
The exemption applies only to primary residences and is based on disability and proper documentation. Counties administer implementation, so the amount of savings depends on local property tax rates. Still, for those who qualify, this measure results in substantial tax savings.
3. Florida
Florida allows veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability to deduct $5,000 from their home’s assessed value. Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled (or with certain mobility impairments) may qualify for full property tax exemption. Florida provides full exemption for fully disabled vets and deductions for others.
These benefits also often extend to surviving spouses under qualifying conditions. Counties may also have additional local procedures or documentation required annually. For veterans planning residence in Florida, this benefit can notably reduce tax bills on higher value home properties.
4. Hawaii
In Hawaii, veterans with 100% service-connected or permanent total disability can be exempt from nearly all property tax in many jurisdictions (some counties still assess a nominal fee). Hawaii’s property tax relief almost fully covers exempt status for totally disabled vets.
However, counties vary: in some, veterans with lower ratings may get smaller exemptions or sliding scale relief. The veteran must live in the home as primary residence and meet VA disability criteria. Where it applies fully, this is among the most generous property tax reliefs.
5. Georgia
Veterans with 100% disability rating or those deemed unemployable due to service-connected causes in Georgia are eligible for a property tax exemption up to a certain dollar limit (recently indexed via VA) for county, municipal and school taxes. Georgia offers substantial exemptions for fully disabled veterans.
The amount of exemption depends on local property taxes and valuation. There are rules around proof of disability and residency, so veterans should check with their county tax assessors. For many, this benefit substantially lowers annual tax obligations.
6. Massachusetts
Veterans in Massachusetts with a 10% or greater VA disability rating may qualify for property tax exemptions ranging from modest amounts up to about $1,500 depending on severity and living conditions. Paraplegics, or those with 100% rating or special circumstances (loss of limb etc.), or survivors in some cases, may receive larger or full exemptions. Massachusetts exemptions scale by severity and service conditions.
These exemptions often require proof of residence or special documentation. The benefit is modest for lower disability levels but significant once rating or qualifying loss reaches high thresholds. It helps with tax relief rather than full elimination in most cases.
7. Mississippi
Mississippi provides full property tax exemption for veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled. Mississippi 100% disabled veterans exempt from property taxes.
This full exemption applies to homestead property. Surviving spouses may also qualify under certain conditions. Because local property tax rates vary widely, the saving can be significant in high tax jurisdictions.
8. Minnesota
In Minnesota, veterans who have a 100% permanent and total disability can exclude up to $300,000 of their property value from taxation; veterans rated 70% or higher may exclude up to $150,000. Minnesota’s high-value exclusions for disabled veterans.
These large exclusions significantly reduce property tax bills for those who qualify. Eligible veterans must own and use the property as their primary residence. The benefit also sometimes extends to surviving spouses or legal caregivers depending on statute and county.
9. Maryland
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability in Maryland may receive full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Some local jurisdictions enforce additional proof of residency or disability compensation. Maryland offers full exempt status for fully disabled vets in many cases.
Because property values in Maryland (especially in the suburbs of D.C.) are relatively high, this exemption can drastically reduce your year-over-year tax burden. Again, proof and annual filing or application are usually required.
10. Alaska
Alaska offers a property tax exemption of up to $150,000 in assessed home value for veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more, provided they meet age or income criteria; surviving spouses are sometimes eligible too. Alaska’s high-threshold exemptions for mid-disabled veterans.
This is not a full exemption for everyone, but for many veterans with moderate disability ratings, it meaningfully lowers tax bills, especially in expensive housing markets. Also, local jurisdiction may have additional criteria (income caps, age, ownership length). For those eligible, this is among better middle-tier relief benefits.
11. New Mexico
New Mexico provides two main forms of property tax relief for veterans. All honorably discharged veterans qualify for a standard exemption of $4,000 in taxable value, while those who are 100% permanently disabled can receive a full exemption on their primary residence. New Mexico’s program also extends benefits to some surviving spouses.
The dual system means that even veterans without a high disability rating can save money, while those with severe disabilities enjoy total exemption. With property taxes often a significant burden in urban areas like Albuquerque, these exemptions make a real difference to household finances.
12. New York
New York offers several property tax exemption options for veterans, including the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption, the Cold War Veterans’ Exemption, and in some areas, additional school tax relief. The exact savings depend on the municipality and school district, as each sets its own exemption percentages. New York’s system allows local governments flexibility in structuring benefits.
Although rules vary by county, many veterans see reductions of 15% to 25% of assessed value, with additional amounts for combat veterans and disabled veterans. These benefits help offset New York’s generally high property tax rates, especially in suburban counties around New York City.
13. Oregon
Oregon provides a property tax exemption based on both disability rating and income. Veterans with at least a 40% service-connected disability may qualify for partial exemption of their home’s assessed value, with the amount adjusted annually. Oregon’s exemption rules ensure relief reaches those most in need, particularly lower-income veterans.
Veterans must file with their county assessor to claim the benefit, and surviving spouses may continue to qualify. While the exemption does not eliminate property taxes entirely, it lowers taxable value enough to make housing more affordable for disabled veterans in the state.
14. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania grants a full property tax exemption to honorably discharged veterans who are 100% disabled and meet financial need criteria. The exemption applies to a veteran’s principal residence and may also transfer to surviving spouses. Pennsylvania’s program is administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs with support from local tax offices.
While income and asset limits apply, the benefit removes a significant financial burden for qualifying households. In counties with some of the highest property taxes in the country, such as those around Philadelphia, this program provides vital support to disabled veterans and their families.
15. South Dakota
South Dakota offers a property tax exemption of up to $150,000 of assessed home value for veterans who are 100% disabled. Veterans with paraplegia or specific service-connected conditions may qualify for full exemptions. South Dakota’s exemptions provide meaningful relief in a state where overall tax rates are already low.
The benefit applies to primary residences only and requires annual verification with county assessors. For veterans living in modest homes, the exemption can cover most or all property tax liability, significantly improving affordability during retirement years.
16. Tennessee
Tennessee reimburses property taxes on the first $175,000 of market value for homes owned by veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or meet specific qualifying conditions such as loss of limbs or blindness. Tennessee’s relief program requires annual application through the county trustee’s office.
Because the state has no income tax, this property tax relief is especially valuable for retirees living on fixed incomes. By covering a substantial portion of the taxable home value, Tennessee reduces housing costs and helps disabled veterans maintain independence.
