Here in Killeen (and the surrounding Ft Hood area) we are very accustomed to seeing men and women who serve their country every day. Before I go any further, let me ask you to take a minute this week and just say thank you to one of these brave individuals.
Did you know that the state of Texas says thank you to those veterans with service-connected disabilities who own property in Texas by offering a property tax exemption up to 100%. Following is information from the Texas Veterans Commission website:
Who qualifies?
Veterans with the following service-connected disability rating:
- 10%-30% First $ 5,000 of appraised value
- 30%-50% First $ 7,500 of appraised value
- 50%-70% First $ 10,000 of appraised value
- 70% & over First $ 12,000 of appraised value
- 100% Rating or Individual Unemployability = 100% of appraised value
Additional eligibility:
Surviving spouses and minor children who are unmarried and under 21 years of age of a person who dies on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for an exemption of the first $5000 on the appraised value of their property.
A veteran who has a disabilityrating of 10% or higher and who is 65 years or older is entitled to the maximum property tax exemption.
A veteran whose disability consists of the loss of use of one or more limbs or total blindness in one or both eyes is entitled to the maximum exemption of $12,000.
The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, who at the time of death had a compensable disability and was entitled to an exemption, is also entitled to that exemption if the surviving spouse is unmarried but cannot receive 100% exemption.
The exemption applies to the property until it changes ownership or the person’s qualification for the exemption changes.
How to get it?
Fill out
Form 50-135 and send to County Appraisal District. Proof of eligibility must accompany application. Applications for the exemption must be completed between January 1 and April 30.