California property tax exemption for 100 disabled veterans

Q: Who is exempt from property tax in California?

Homeowners Exemption If you own a home and it is your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for an exemption of $7,000 from your assessed value. New property owners will automatically receive a Homeowners Property Tax Exemption Claim Form.

Q: Do disabled veterans get free vehicle registration in California?

If youre a disabled veteran with a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for DV License Plates. DV License Plates exempt you from paying vehicle registration and license fees.

Table of Contents Show

Exemptions Available to Veterans
Veterans' Exemption
Disabled Veterans' Exemption
What benefits does a 100 disabled veteran get in California?
Do disabled veterans pay tolls in California?
Who is exempt from property tax in California?
Do disabled veterans get free vehicle registration in California?

Two separate bills in the California Senate aim to provide partial property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. (Photo: Alex Proimos)

On April 7, the California Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee approved two separate bills that expand property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.

The first, Senate Bill SB-1073, was introduced by Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, and promises partial property tax exemptions for the principal residence owned by a partially disabled veteran. Under the current law, only veterans who have lost two or more limbs, are blind, or are fully disabled because of a service-related injury are eligible for property tax reductions.

Under SB-1073, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans would be equal to their disability rating. For example, a veteran with a disability rating of 50 percent would be eligible for 50 percent of the current property tax exemption for disabled veterans.

Additionally, the California Senate committee advanced Senate Bill SB-1357, which was introduced by Sen. Bob Archuleta, D-Pico Rivera. This bill would grant veterans who have a 100 percent disability rating a full property tax exemption for their principal residence. Alternatively, veterans who are fully blind or have lost two or more limbs, but do not have a 100 percent disability rating would receive a partial property tax exemption.

As it stands now, partial property tax exemptions under SB-1357 are calculated by multiplying the veteran’s disability rating percentage by $700,000. If, for example, the veteran had a 50 percent disability rating, their exemption would be $350,000.

Both bills have been resubmitted to the California Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee for further debate. As they have competing proposals, it is expected that the committee will have to consolidate provisions proposed in both bills before one of the two can advance further in the legislature.

Readers can click here to see a complete overview of veterans bills in the California legislature.

Exemptions Available to Veterans

Veterans' Exemption

A $4,000 exemption for any property that is owned by an eligible veteran and is subject to property taxes. This exemption can be applied to real estate, a boat, or plane, or property used in a trade, profession or business.
This exemption is also available to a surviving spouse and/or the parents of a deceased veteran.
Because the Homeowners’ Exemption of $7,000 provides greater savings than this one, most California veteran homeowners choose the Homeowners’ Exemption.

Disabled Veterans' Exemption

This exemption applies to the home of a person (or a person’s spouse) who is, or has been, injured in military service.
In general, injuries that qualify a veteran for the exemption include: (1) total disability, (2) blindness, or (3) has lost the use of two or more limbs.
The amount(s) of the exemption depend upon: (1) the type of injury, and (2) the household income.
A Basic Exemption is available to 100% disabled veterans with no income limitation. The exemption of $100,000 is adjusted annually.
A Low-Income Exemption is available to 100% disabled veterans with a household income under a specified amount. The exemption of $150,000 is adjusted annually.
Exemption applications are due February 15, or on or before the 30th day following the date of Notice of Supplemental Assessment, whichever comes first.

Late applications filed up to December 10 may receive a percentage of the allowable exemption amount.

Please call (714) 834-5945 for more information.

Disabled veterans of military service may be eligible for up to a $224,991 exemption towards their property assessment. They must file a claim for Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption. Qualifying veterans must have been disabled due to a service-related injury or disease while in the armed forces. They must also be a resident of California as of January 1 of the year in which they are applying for an exemption.

Veterans with 100% disability (or partially disabled and unemployable), or their unmarried surviving spouses, may be eligible for up to a $149,993 exemption. If total household income is less than $67,355, the 100% disabled veteran may qualify for up to a $224,991 exemption. Qualifying income levels are subject to change.

What benefits does a 100 disabled veteran get in California?

California gives a property tax exemption for the home of a 100% disabled veteran or an unmarried spouse of a deceased disabled veteran. There are two levels of the Disabled Veterans' Exemption: Basic – The basic exemption, also referred to as the $100,000 exemption, is available to all qualifying claimants.

Do disabled veterans pay tolls in California?

100% Disabled Veterans Exempt From California Toll Road Fees!

Who is exempt from property tax in California?

Homeowners' Exemption If you own a home and it is your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for an exemption of $7,000 from your assessed value. New property owners will automatically receive a Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption Claim Form.

Do disabled veterans get free vehicle registration in California?

If you're a disabled veteran with a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for DV License Plates. DV License Plates exempt you from paying vehicle registration and license fees.