Virginia · Property tax exemptions for veterans · Updated Oct 2026
Virginia property tax exemptions for veterans (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for veterans in Virginia that our guide lists, from disabled-veteran exemptions to breaks for surviving spouses. What each is worth, the VA rating it needs, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for veterans in Virginia is the Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans. Your home and up to one acre of land (more if your locality allows more for seniors) are fully exempt from real estate tax.
Worth
Full exemption
VA rating
100% (or individual unemployability)
Income limit
None listed in our sources
Deadline
No statewide deadline; the exemption starts on the date of the VA rating if you already…
Your home and up to one acre of land (more if your locality allows more for seniors) are fully exempt from real estate tax.
Who qualifies
A veteran rated by the VA as 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability, who lives in the home as a principal residence (Va. Code §58.1-3219.5(A)). Fairfax County says it also accepts veterans with a permanent and total rating below 100% who are paid at the 100% rate because of individual unemployability; the statute does not mention individual unemployability, so ask your locality. The surviving spouse keeps the exemption if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011 and the spouse does not remarry, even after moving to another home in Virginia.
How to apply
File your locality's affidavit or written statement with the Commissioner of the Revenue (or designated office). Attach the VA Summary of Benefits letter showing a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability. You can apply before buying a home with a purchase agreement; the locality must answer within 20 business days.
Deadline
No statewide deadline; the exemption starts on the date of the VA rating if you already own the home, but localities do not pay interest on refunds for taxes paid before you file.
Renewal
One-time; refile only if your principal residence changes.
For surviving spouses of veterans and service members
These breaks are for the surviving spouse. See every break a surviving spouse in Virginia can claim or keep on the surviving spouses page.
Surviving spouses
Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Armed Forces Members Who Died in the Line of Duty
Your home is fully exempt up to the average assessed value of single-family homes in your locality; only value above that average is taxed. Covers the home and up to one acre.
Who qualifies
The surviving spouse of a U.S. armed forces member who died in the line of duty (with a Department of Defense Line of Duty determination, including suicide), who lives in the home as a principal residence and has not remarried. It moves with you to a new home.
How to apply
File the affidavit with your local Commissioner of the Revenue, with the Department of Defense line-of-duty documentation.
Deadline
No statewide deadline; no interest is paid on refunds for taxes paid before you file.
File your locality's affidavit or written statement with the Commissioner of the Revenue (or designated office).
Attach the VA Summary of Benefits letter showing a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability.
You can apply before buying a home with a purchase agreement; the locality must answer within 20 business days.
Deadline: No statewide deadline; the exemption starts on the date of the VA rating if you already own the home, but localities do not pay interest on refunds for taxes paid before you file.
Renewal: One-time; refile only if your principal residence changes.
File the affidavit with your local Commissioner of the Revenue, with the Department of Defense line-of-duty documentation.
Deadline: No statewide deadline; no interest is paid on refunds for taxes paid before you file.
Renewal: One-time; ends if you remarry.
Savings estimate for Virginia
None of these breaks is one fixed dollar amount taken off your home's value, so we can't estimate the savings here. What each one is worth is on its card above.
Eligibility finder for Virginia
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for veterans: you own and live in the home and are a veteran. Add your VA rating, and change any answer.
Document checklist for Virginia
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 veterans property tax breaks in Virginia
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for veterans in Virginia?
Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: A veteran rated by the VA as 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability, who lives in the home as a principal residence (Va. Code §58.1-3219.5(A)). Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Armed Forces Members Who Died in the Line of Duty: The surviving spouse of a U.S. armed forces member who died in the line of duty (with a Department of Defense Line of Duty determination, including suicide), who lives in the home as a principal residence and has not remarried. It moves with you to a new home.
Is there an income limit for veterans' property tax breaks in Virginia?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for veterans to apply in Virginia?
Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: No statewide deadline; the exemption starts on the date of the VA rating if you already own the home, but localities do not pay interest on refunds for taxes paid before you file. Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Armed Forces Members Who Died in the Line of Duty: No statewide deadline; no interest is paid on refunds for taxes paid before you file.
Do veterans have to reapply every year in Virginia?
Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: One-time; refile only if your principal residence changes. Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Armed Forces Members Who Died in the Line of Duty: One-time; ends if you remarry.
Where do veterans apply for property tax breaks in Virginia?
Each county and city runs its own program. You apply to your local Commissioner of the Revenue, or in some places the Department of Tax Administration or Real Estate Assessor's office (in Fairfax County, the Department of Tax Administration's Tax Relief Office). For the Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: File your locality's affidavit or written statement with the Commissioner of the Revenue (or designated office).