You qualify for the new 100% homestead exemption if you meet these requirements:

• You own a home and occupy it as your residence homestead.
• You are receiving 100% disability compensation from the US Department of Veterans Affairs for a service-connected disability.
• You have a disability rating of 100% disabled or of individual unemployability.

To get this exemption, you must fill out and return the Application For Residential Homestead Exemption. Check off the "100% Disabled Veterans Exemption" check box and you must attach documentation as well. You may attach a copy of a recent award letter, a “VA tax letter,” or another recent document from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs showing 100% disability compensation due to a service-connected disability and a rating of 100% disability or of individual un-employability.

If you qualify, your home will be totally exempt from property taxes in all jurisdictions, regardless of the home’s value. If you co-own the home with someone other than your spouse, your share of the home’s value will be exempted.

Yes. The new exemption is not given automatically.

Qualifications for the new homestead exemption differ from those for the prior disabled veteran’s exemption. In particular, you must show that you actually receive 100% disability compensation for a service-connected disability, and have a rating of 100% disability or individual unemployability.

It is retroactive to January 1, 2009. If you owned your home and qualified on that date, you’ll receive the exemption for 2009.

No. The exemption will take effect for the 2010 year if you didn’t own your home on January 1, 2009.

No. You must be 100% disabled or have a rating of individual unemployability to qualify for the new exemption. You must also be receiving 100% disability compensation from the VA. If the VA reduces or changes either of these ratings, it is your responsibility to notify the appraisal district in writing.

No. Only the disabled veteran can claim the new 100% homestead exemption.

No. The exemption will apply for 2009 forward. It does not affect prior years.

Yes, as long as you intend to return to the home when you are able.

If the home is community property, it is calculated as if you owned 100% of the home. If the home is not community property, the exemption is prorated in proportion to the value of your interest.

Yes.

You should also apply for the regular homestead exemption. This will ensure that you receive the maximum benefits of the regular exemption should your qualification for the new exemption change.

Yes, for the same reasons given above.

Your home will be totally exempt from property taxes.

The new exemption will exempt all of the value of your home. Consequently, the $12,000 disabled veteran’s exemption will have no effect. If you own other taxable property (such as a vacation home or business), you may file a new application with the appraisal district to designate the exemption to the other property. Remember you may only claim the Disabled Veteran’s exemption on one property.

No. Once your exemption is granted, you will not have to reapply unless the chief appraiser requires you to do so in writing. You do have to notify the appraisal district if your qualifications for this exemption change.

The existing disability homestead exemption has different requirements and benefits. For that exemption, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled, which is not necessarily the same as that used by the VA or your branch of the military. The benefits are also different. Only school districts are required to provide a disability homestead exemption, though many other taxing entities do. The new exemption will apply to all taxing units and will exempt the total value of your home.

No. Both exemptions apply only to the home that is your principal residence. You can, however, apply the prior disabled veteran’s exemption to your vacation home.

You can contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Their website is at www.va.gov.