How to apply for California Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption (Basic)

Who it's for

California exempts a portion of a disabled veteran's principal residence from property tax. The basic tier exempts roughly the first $175,000 of assessed value for veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 100% by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or who are receiving compensation at the 100% rate due to unemployability), with NO income limit — it is available regardless of household income. The exemption is also available to unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans, including survivors of service members who died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected condition. For a typical California home this translates to roughly $1,500–$2,000 per year in property tax savings. The exemption replaces the standard Homeowners' Exemption (a homeowner claims one or the other, not both), and a qualifying veteran claims the higher-value low-income tier instead if their household income is at or below the published limit.

What you'll need

• VA disability rating letter showing 100% service-connected disability OR documentation of receipt of compensation at the 100% rate due to unemployability
• Discharge papers (DD-214) showing character of service
• Recent property tax bill or deed
• For surviving spouses: marriage certificate plus the veteran's death certificate

Where to apply

Renewals

one-time (basic tier is not income-tested, so no annual income re-certification; re-file only if eligibility changes)