Veterans Real Estate Tax Relief Program

How it works

The Commonwealth of Virginia exempts from taxation the real property of a veteran who has been rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability and who occupies the property as a principal place of residence. The exemption applies to the qualifying dwelling and also to the land, not exceeding ten acres, on which it is situated.

What the money covers

This is a tax exemption, not a repair grant or rebate. It removes real property taxes from the qualifying home and associated land up to the acreage cap.

Who else qualifies

The page says the surviving spouse of a veteran whose real estate taxes were exempted or would have been exempted also qualifies, provided:

• the veteran’s death occurred on or after January 1, 2011,
• the surviving spouse continues to occupy the real property as his or her principal place of residence, and
• the surviving spouse does not remarry.

The page also states that an exemption applies to surviving spouses of members of the Armed Forces killed in action, with a limitation that if the dwelling’s value exceeds the average assessed value of single-family residences, the excess portion remains taxable.

How to apply

For veterans tax relief, applications are taken all year and there are no date restrictions. Veterans only need to reapply if their principal place of residence changes.

Timing and deadlines

• No annual filing deadline is listed for veterans tax relief.
• Applications are accepted year-round.
• Reapply only if the principal residence changes.