If you're a disabled veteran or a surviving spouse living in Hampton Roads, Virginia's property tax exemption for veterans may eliminate your annual property tax bill entirely. The exemption has been on the books for years, but Virginia voters approved an expansion in 2024 that broadened eligibility. A lot of qualifying homeowners are still paying taxes they don't owe.
Hampton Roads has one of the largest veteran and active-duty military populations in the country. Virginia Beach alone is home to tens of thousands of veterans. If even a fraction of eligible homeowners aren't claiming this exemption, that's a significant amount of money left on the table every year.
What the Virginia Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Actually Covers
Under Virginia law, a veteran with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs qualifies for a full real property tax exemption on their primary residence. That means zero property taxes on the home you live in, not a partial credit or a deduction.
The 2024 constitutional amendment expanded eligibility for surviving spouses. Previously, a surviving spouse could lose the exemption if they remarried. The 2024 change loosened those restrictions, allowing more surviving spouses to retain the benefit. If you were denied in the past because of remarriage, it's worth checking your eligibility again under the updated rules.
Virginia voters also approved a separate exemption in 2020 covering one motor vehicle owned by a veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability. That's a different benefit from the real property exemption, but qualifying veterans may be able to claim both.
For full details on federal VA disability ratings and how they connect to state benefits, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
How to Apply in Virginia Beach and the Surrounding Area
The Virginia property tax exemption for veterans is administered at the local level, so the application process varies by city. In Virginia Beach, you apply through the Commissioner of the Revenue's office. You'll need documentation of your VA disability rating, proof of Virginia residency, and proof that the property is your primary residence.
If you own a home in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk, or Newport News, contact that city's Commissioner of the Revenue directly. Each locality has its own form, and some cities allow online applications while others require an in-person visit.
Apply as soon as possible. In most jurisdictions, you need to apply before a specific deadline to receive the exemption for the current tax year. Missing the deadline means waiting another full year.
What This Means For You
• A 100% permanent and total VA disability rating qualifies you for a full real property tax exemption on your primary home in Virginia.
• The 2024 expansion gives surviving spouses broader access to the exemption, so previously denied applicants should recheck their status.
• Applications go through your local Commissioner of the Revenue, not a state office.
• Qualifying veterans may also be eligible for the separate motor vehicle property tax exemption passed in 2020.
If you're thinking about buying a home in Hampton Roads and you have a qualifying VA disability rating, this exemption is a real factor in your annual cost of ownership. Find out what your home is worth →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia's property tax exemption for veterans apply to all disability ratings or only 100%?
The full real property tax exemption requires a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA. Partial disability ratings do not qualify for the full exemption, though Virginia and local jurisdictions may offer other programs for veterans at lower ratings. Contact your local Commissioner of the Revenue to ask about any partial relief options in your city.
Can a surviving spouse keep the Virginia property tax exemption after the veteran passes away?
Yes, a surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran can continue to receive the exemption as long as they remain in the home as their primary residence and do not remarry. The 2024 constitutional amendment expanded protections for surviving spouses, so if a surviving spouse was previously denied due to remarriage, they should reapply under the updated rules.
How do I apply for the veteran property tax exemption in Virginia Beach specifically?
In Virginia Beach, you apply through the Commissioner of the Revenue's office. You'll need your VA disability rating letter showing a 100% permanent and total rating, proof that the property is your primary residence, and a completed application form. The city's website has the current form and deadline information, or you can call the office directly to confirm what documentation they require.
Sources
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue
• City of Norfolk Commissioner of the Revenue
• City of Chesapeake Commissioner of the Revenue
Related reading
• A Downsizing Guide for Hampton Roads Homeowners
• Virginia Beach Affordable Housing Programs: Vouchers, Waitlists, and Resources You Should Know
• The National Property Tax Revolt: Could Virginia Homeowners See Relief Next?