Rhode Island · Property tax exemptions for surviving spouses · Updated Oct 2026
Rhode Island property tax exemptions for surviving spouses (2026)
Every statewide property tax break in Rhode Island that our guide lists for surviving spouses: breaks made for them, and breaks a surviving spouse can keep or claim. What each is worth, who qualifies, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for surviving spouses in Rhode Island is the Veterans' Exemption. $1,000 off assessed value under the general state rule, with higher amounts allowed in many towns by special laws.
Some amounts depend on where you live. In Rhode Island, some of these breaks or their amounts are set or adjusted by your county, city or town, as each exemption below explains. Ask your local assessor for the figure that applies to your home.
Property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Rhode Island
Veterans
Veterans' Exemption
$1,000 off assessed value under the general state rule, with higher amounts allowed in many towns by special laws. Example (Providence, fiscal year 2026-27): $36,429 off assessed value for a qualifying veteran or the un-remarried widow or widower, with the tax saving capped at $306. Providence also gives Gold Star parents $54,762 (saving capped at $460).
For surviving spouses: Veterans who served in the listed wars or conflicts (including the Cold War 1947-1991) and were honorably discharged or discharged other than dishonorably, and their un-remarried widows or widowers.
Who qualifies
Veterans who served in the listed wars or conflicts (including the Cold War 1947-1991) and were honorably discharged or discharged other than dishonorably, and their un-remarried widows or widowers.
How to apply
Apply to your local assessor with your DD-214 (and the death certificate for a surviving spouse).
Deadline
Set locally; East Providence uses March 15. Confirm the Providence date with the assessor.
Totally Disabled Service-Connected Veteran and Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions
Larger local exemptions for veterans with a total service-connected disability, former POWs, and homes specially adapted for disabled veterans. Example (Providence, fiscal year 2026-27): totally disabled veteran $73,095 off assessed value (saving capped at $614); totally disabled in specially adapted housing $182,619 (capped at $1,534); POW or un-remarried widow or widower $91,310 (capped at $770). East Providence 2026: veteran's modified housing $28,600 off assessment.
For surviving spouses: Veterans with a VA total service-connected disability rating, POWs, or veterans whose home is specially adapted with VA help; surviving spouses in some towns.
Who qualifies
Veterans with a VA total service-connected disability rating, POWs, or veterans whose home is specially adapted with VA help; surviving spouses in some towns.
How to apply
Apply to your local assessor with your DD-214 and VA rating or grant letter. Specially adapted housing may require an inspection.
Deadline
Set locally (East Providence: May 25 for modified housing).
Renewal
Usually one-time; confirm locally.
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws 44-3-4, 44-3-4.2; Providence Code sec. 21-126(a)
Apply to your local assessor with your DD-214 and VA rating or grant letter.
Specially adapted housing may require an inspection.
Deadline: Set locally (East Providence: May 25 for modified housing).
Renewal: Usually one-time; confirm locally.
Savings estimate for Rhode Island
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Rhode Island
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for surviving spouses: you own and live in the home and are a surviving spouse. Change any answer.
Document checklist for Rhode Island
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about surviving spouses property tax breaks in Rhode Island
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Rhode Island?
Veterans' Exemption: Veterans who served in the listed wars or conflicts (including the Cold War 1947-1991) and were honorably discharged or discharged other than dishonorably, and their un-remarried widows or widowers. Totally Disabled Service-Connected Veteran and Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions: Veterans with a VA total service-connected disability rating, POWs, or veterans whose home is specially adapted with VA help; surviving spouses in some towns.
Is there an income limit for surviving spouses' property tax breaks in Rhode Island?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for surviving spouses to apply in Rhode Island?
Veterans' Exemption: Set locally; East Providence uses March 15. Confirm the Providence date with the assessor. Totally Disabled Service-Connected Veteran and Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions: Set locally (East Providence: May 25 for modified housing).
Do surviving spouses have to reapply every year in Rhode Island?
Veterans' Exemption: Usually one-time; confirm with your town. Totally Disabled Service-Connected Veteran and Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions: Usually one-time; confirm locally.
Where do surviving spouses apply for property tax breaks in Rhode Island?
Each city or town's tax assessor decides exemptions, and each sets its own amounts within limits in state law (R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 44-3). You apply to your local assessor. The state's low-income Property Tax Relief Credit (Form RI-1040H) is claimed from the RI Division of Taxation. For the Veterans' Exemption: Apply to your local assessor with your DD-214 (and the death certificate for a surviving spouse).