Cold War Veterans' Exemption Information
The Cold War Veterans' Exemption provides a property tax exemption, to a maximum of 15%, to veterans who served on active duty (exclusive of training) in the United States armed forces during the Cold War, defined as September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991. The law also provides an additional exemption to disabled veterans equal to one-half of their service-connected disability ratings.
The basic exemption is limited to 10 years, but there is no time limit for the disabled portion of this exemption. In both instances, the exemption is limited to the primary residence of the veteran, and is applicable only to general municipal taxes, not to school taxes or special district levies. The application form for the exemption is available in our office or it can be downloaded from our website. Applications must be filed with our office by our taxable status date March 1st.
Ownership
The legal title to the property must be in the name of the veteran or the spouse of the veteran or both, or the unremarried surviving spouse of the veteran.
Eligibility
The exemption is available to veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. armed services from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991 and who are not receiving either the eligible funds or Alternative Veterans' Exemption. Veterans who served during "conflict periods" between these dates should review the eligibility requirements for the Alternative Veterans' Exemption.
Information to Prove Eligibility
The veteran must also provide his or her discharge or release from the U.S. Armed Forces under honorable conditions. Form DD-214, which you should have received upon separation from the service, contains some of the information our office needs to determine your eligibility. Other written documentation also may help to prove eligibility, such as a copy of discharge orders, VA documentation for disability rating, etx.