
VA Just Changed How Collections Count On A VA Loan
The VA handbook now counts an unpaid non-medical collection at 5% of the balance divided by 12 months. A $10,000 collection drops from $500 to about $42.
Carlos Scarpero, VA Mortgage Specialist, NMLS 1674385
If you are a disabled veteran, you might be wondering whether you qualify for property tax breaks. This can lead to significant savings, so it’s essential to know your options and how to navigate the process. Here’s what you need to know about property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
The first thing to understand is that property tax regulations vary significantly by state. Each state has its own rules regarding tax breaks for disabled veterans. Generally speaking, most states require veterans to have a 100% disability rating to qualify for any property tax exemptions. However, some states allow for lower disability ratings. For instance, Texas has provisions for veterans with disabilities below 100%.
The extent of property tax relief also differs from state to state. For example, in Ohio, disabled veterans receive a partial waiver on property taxes, meaning they will still owe some amount. However, states like Texas, Alabama, and Florida provide full exemptions on property taxes for veterans with a 100% disability rating. If you’re a disabled veteran, it’s worth your time to check your state’s specific guidelines and see what exemptions you might qualify for.
To benefit from these property tax exemptions, veterans must actively request them. This process typically starts with reaching out to your County Tax Collector’s office. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the benefits; there’s no harm in asking. You’ll also want to keep in mind that your income may not be capped in most cases, so you can continue to work while enjoying these benefits.
Additionally, if you’ve put off requesting the exemption for several years, some states may retroactively grant you the exemption for the current year and refund prior years. For example, certain states, like Michigan, are known to offer a refund for previous years. However, some states have a “use it or lose it” policy, meaning if you don’t request it in the designated year, you may miss out on savings entirely.
In some states, the property tax exemption needs to be renewed annually. For instance, Ohio requires veterans to renew their eligibility each year. It’s important to stay informed about your state’s requirements to ensure you continue receiving your benefits.
For additional resources, I recommend checking the guide provided by Veterans Vetted VA, which lists states and their specific guidelines regarding property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
Every state handles this differently, so I wrote a detailed guide for each one. Each guide covers how much the exemption is worth, who qualifies, the exact form to file, where to file it, the filing deadlines, and what it does to your mortgage payment. Pick your state:
Want the whole picture in one place first? Start with the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption Guide, which explains what every state has in common, where they differ, and how the exemption affects a mortgage approval.
In conclusion, disabled veterans may indeed qualify for property tax breaks, but these benefits vary widely based on location and individual circumstance. It’s crucial to understand the requirements, actively request the benefits, and keep up with renewals if necessary to maximize your savings.
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