How to apply for New Jersey 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Full Exemption)

Who it's for

A New Jersey veteran certified by the VA as 100% permanently and totally disabled from active duty service pays NO property tax on the main home — the entire bill is wiped out. With New Jersey property tax bills averaging over $10,000 a year, this is one of the largest benefits in the state. Since a 2020 constitutional amendment, wartime service is no longer required — the disability must be from active duty service, in war or peacetime. An unremarried surviving spouse who keeps living in the home continues the full exemption. Apply once through the municipal tax assessor with Form D.V.S.S.E. and the VA certification letter.

What you'll need

• Completed Form D.V.S.S.E. (Claim for Property Tax Exemption on Dwelling of Disabled Veteran)
• VA certification letter stating 100% permanent and total disability
• DD-214 or other proof of active duty service and honorable discharge
• Proof of ownership and that the home is the main residence (deed, driver's license)
• For a surviving spouse: the veteran's death certificate and proof the veteran was a New Jersey resident at death

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about New Jersey 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Full Exemption). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need completed form d.v.s.s.e. (claim for property tax exemption on dwelling of disabled veteran), va certification letter stating 100% permanent and total disability, dd-214 or other proof of active duty service and honorable discharge — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility before applying. The VA certification letter must state 100% permanent and total disability from active duty service. The home must be owned and occupied as the main residence. A surviving spouse must not have remarried. Veterans paid at the 100% rate through individual unemployability should bring the VA letter to the municipal tax assessor, who will decide whether it qualifies.
2. Gather all required documents. You will need: completed Form D.V.S.S.E. (Claim for Property Tax Exemption on Dwelling of Disabled Veteran); the VA certification letter stating 100% permanent and total disability; DD-214 or other proof of active duty service and honorable discharge; proof of ownership and main residence (such as a deed and driver's license). Surviving spouses must also include the veteran's death certificate and proof the veteran was a New Jersey resident at death.
3. Obtain Form D.V.S.S.E. if you do not already have it. Contact the NJ Division of Taxation by phone at 609-292-7974 or apply online through the state's application channel to get the form.
4. Complete Form D.V.S.S.E. fully and accurately. Review every section before signing to make sure no fields are left blank.
5. Submit the completed form and all supporting documents to your municipal tax assessor. You may apply online or by phone at 609-292-7974 to confirm your assessor's preferred submission method and mailing address.
6. Keep copies of everything you submit. Store the originals in a safe place in case the assessor requests them later.

What to expect: After submitting, the municipal tax assessor will review the application and supporting documents to verify eligibility. Processing times vary, so contact your assessor's office for an estimate of how long a decision may take. This is a one-time application — if approved, the full property tax exemption stays in place as long as eligibility requirements are met. However, the assessor may periodically ask you to certify that you still qualify, so respond promptly to any such requests to avoid interruption of the benefit. Surviving spouses should notify the assessor of any change in marital status, as remarrying ends the exemption.

Renewals

one-time application; the assessor may ask to certify continued eligibility