Property Tax Exemptions for Surviving Military Spouses

Many states and counties offer some disabled veterans–or even all veterans–property tax breaks. Property taxes are a growing problem for older and disabled people around the country. The high cost of property taxes often presents an obstacle to keeping the home, even if the home is mortgage-free.

Loss of that property tax exemption or reduction can create a crisis for a surviving spouse. Some states and counties also offer a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans. But states differ on whether an exemption is offered, what is required for eligibility for the exemption, and the extent of the exemption. To make matters even more complicated, some states leave the question of property tax exemptions to the local government. That means there are many dozens of different policies depending on where you live.

The best way to make sure you have up-to-date information about the specific exemptions offered in your area and how to qualify is to check with the governmental entity that bills you for your property tax-usually, that’s a county office.

Which States Offer Property Tax Exemptions to the Surviving Spouse of Veterans and Service Members?

Several US states offer property tax exemptions for the surviving spouses of some servicemembers of veterans. In most states, the surviving spouse must be unmarried to claim the exemption. Many states also apply the exemption only to the home the surviving spouse shared with the servicemember or veteran, though there are a few exceptions.

Some of the variations in programs include:

Some states offer a full property tax exemption, while others offer only a partial exemption
Where the exemption is partial, it may be a fixed exemption, income based, or based on the veteran’s VA disability rating
Partial exemptions may range from a few hundred dollars to exemption of 50% of the value of the home or more
Many states allow for the exemption only if the veteran was permanently and totally disabled, or if a service member was killed in action
Some states restrict the exemption to homes purchased or remodeled with VA Special Adapted Housing Grants

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Examples of State Property Tax Exemptions for Surviving Spouses

State	Exemption	Criteria
Alabama	100% exempt from property tax on residence	Unmarried surviving spouse only if the home was acquired through a VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant
Alaska	Exemption of up to $150,000	Unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran rated at least 50% disabled, if the surviving spouse resides in the home and is at least 60 years of age
Arizona	100% exempt from property tax on residence	Unmarried surviving spouse of totally disabled veteran; other partial disabled veteran exemptions do not extend to the surviving spouse
California	In 2026, exemption of $180,671 in property value, or $271,009 if low income	Unmarried surviving spouse of totally disabled veteran
Illinois	Partial depending on VA disability rating	Unmarried spouse of a veteran who had a VA disability rating of at least 30% – the amount of the exemption depends on the disability rating
Massachusetts	100% exempt from property tax on residence OR partial exemption	Varied exemptions available to surviving spouses depending on the deceased veteran’s service record and/or VA disability rating. Full exemption if the servicemember or veteran is MIA or died as a result of a service-connected condition.

As you can see, the requirements to qualify for a surviving spouse property tax exemption are quite varied–and that’s without looking at variations within states where counties decide how much to offer in exemptions. Different states also have different policies on how the exemption is handled if the surviving spouse sells the house and buys another. In some areas, the exemption is lost when the spouse leaves the home they shared with the deceased veteran. In others, the exemption is transferable, though there may be some limitations. And in still others, such as Texas, the exemption is transferable but can’t be more than the break you were getting on the original property.

How Property Tax Exemptions Work

When you see a dollar amount like the $180,671 exemption in California, that means that the first $180,671 in assessed value in your home is exempt from taxation. That typically doesn’t mean that you won’t have to pay any taxes. With average home values in California exceeding $700,000, there’s still plenty of value left to tax. However, even a partial exemption can significantly lower your property taxes.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Protecting Your Property After Your Veteran Spouse Passes

After losing a loved one, paperwork and taxes are probably the furthest thing from your mind. But if your spouse was receiving a property tax exemption, suddenly losing that exemption could put your home at risk. You must know as soon as possible whether your property tax obligations will be changing. And, if you are entitled to an exemption as a surviving spouse, you may need time to gather the documentation you need to claim your own exemption.

The most common types of documentation you may need include:

VA benefits letter
A copy of your deed or other proof of ownership of the property
Proof of residency
Your marriage license
Your spouse’s death certificate
Proof of age, if you are in a state where age impacts eligibility
Proof of income, if you are in a state where income affects the amount of your exemption

Each state or county has a form for requesting the exemption, and the instructions for the form will tell you what documentation is required.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

You May Be Eligible for Other Property Tax Breaks

When you’re researching surviving spouse property tax exemptions, be sure to look at all available exemptions. Many states and counties allow you to stack property tax exemptions, meaning that you can combine your exemptions to save even more.

Make Sure You Know Your Rights as a Surviving Spouse

Property tax exemptions are just one potential benefit available to you as the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran. You may be entitled to other benefits, including direct monetary benefits through the VA’s DIC program. If you need help securing benefits through the VA, the experienced advocates at Disabled Vets are here to help. Call us today at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a certain age to qualify for a surviving spouse property tax exemption?
It depends on the state. Some, like Alaska, require you to be at least 60. Others have no age requirement at all and base eligibility on the veteran’s disability rating or cause of death instead. Check with your county tax office for the specific rule where you live.

What happens to my exemption if I remarry?
In most states, remarriage ends your eligibility for the surviving spouse exemption. This is one of the most common reasons the benefit gets pulled, so if you’re considering remarriage, it’s worth checking your state’s specific rule first.

Can I keep my exemption if I move to a different house?
It varies a lot by state. Some let you transfer the exemption to a new home with no penalty. Others cap the transferred exemption at whatever you were getting on the original property, as Texas does. Some states cancel the exemption entirely once you leave the home you shared with your spouse.

Does my spouse need to have died from a service-connected condition for me to qualify?
Not always, but it affects what you’re eligible for. Some states, like Massachusetts, offer a full exemption if the veteran died from a service-connected condition or went MIA, but only a partial exemption otherwise. Others tie eligibility to the veteran’s disability rating at the time of death rather than cause of death.

Can I combine this exemption with other property tax breaks?
Often, yes. Many states and counties let you stack exemptions, such as a surviving spouse exemption plus a senior or income-based exemption, for additional savings. Ask your local tax office which exemptions in your area can be combined.