For Immediate Release Media Contact:
May 6, 2008
Anna Lewicki Long
(651) 757-1536
[email protected]
Disabled veterans can take advantage of new property tax benefit
Property tax exclusion will reduce tax bill for thousands of Minnesota’s disabled vets
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Thousands of disabled veterans across the state can look forward to paying less in property taxes as a result of legislation signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty this year as part of his Military and Veterans Support Package.
The new tax benefit provides full or partial property tax exclusion for the homesteads of the approximately 10,000 Minnesota veterans who have service-connected disabilities of 70 percent or more.
“It is our hope that this exclusion will ease the tax burden of our disabled heroes and their families,” said Clark Dyrud, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “This was a truly joint venture that would not have been possible without support of our state leaders and state and federal partners.”
“We are pleased to be part of this collaborative effort and assist these deserving disabled veterans and widows of their potential entitlement to property tax relief,” said Jeffrey Alger, director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.
To qualify for the exclusion, veterans must have a service connected disability rating between 70-100 percent, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Market Value Exclusion for Disabled Veterans is effective for assessment year 2008, taxes payable in 2009, and thereafter. Eligible veterans should expect to receive an information packet from the USDVA in the mail within the next two weeks. Exclusion values will range from $150,000 - $300,000 depending on the disability rating and other eligibility factors.
“Our veterans have put their lives on the line for all of us and this program is one way to show our gratitude for their tremendous sacrifice,” said Commissioner Ward Einess with the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Qualifying veterans may supply the United States Government Form DD214 or other official military discharge papers, as well as documentation from the Veterans Administration verifying disability status. The Veterans Administration may also provide a letter that encompasses all required information (both discharge and disability).
For more information veterans should visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or contact their county assessor’s office or County Veteran Service Officer.
http://www.minnesotaveteran.org/news/2008/PropertyTaxExclusion.pdf
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