Real Estate Tax Exemption Program offered for vets in Pennsylvania

Did you know Pennsylvania has a program that provides real estate tax exemption for any honorably discharged veteran who is 100% disabled, a resident of the commonwealth and has a financial need?

Since 1944, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and private industry partners have helped deliver the dream of homeownership to generations of veterans and service members. The Real Estate Tax Exemption Program is for wartime veterans that are 100% disabled, and this program requires the claimant to already own the property and it must be their primary domicile. Additional eligibility requirements and references may be found on their website. To apply for this benefit, claimants must visit the County Director of Veterans Affairs Office for the appropriate county.

Veteran’s eligibility criteria:

• Served in the military honorably
• Served during established war service dates, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Must have a total or 100% permanent service-connected disability rating by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or as the result of military service, the veteran is blind or paraplegic or has sustained the loss of two or more limbs
  • Blind: Visual acuity of three-sixtieths or ten two-hundredths, or less-normal vision
  • Paraplegic: The bilateral paralysis of the upper or lower extremities of the body
• Must be a resident of the commonwealth
• Must occupy the real estate as his/her principal dwelling
• Dwelling is owned solely by the veteran or as an estate in the entirety.

Must prove financial need:

• Veteran must prove financial need, according to the criteria established by the State Veterans Commission if their annual income exceeds $92,594
• Applicants with an annual income of $92,594 or less are given a rebuttable presumption to have a need for the exemption
• **Upon the death of a qualified veteran, tax exemption may pass on to the unmarried surviving spouse, if financial need can be shown.

The VA offers a variety of benefits and services that can help with more than just buying a home. Whether a veteran is just getting out of the service or has been a civilian for years, the VA welcome kit can help guide the veteran to the benefits and services earned. Click here to download the VA welcome kit.

As a real estate professional, you are in a great position to help our state and federal governments to spread the word. Please consider sharing this information with veterans whom you serve.