How to apply for New Jersey $250 Veteran Property Tax Deduction

Who it's for

New Jersey takes $250 off the property tax bill each year for an honorably discharged veteran who served on active duty. There is no disability requirement and no income limit — any qualifying veteran who owns a home in New Jersey can claim it. An unremarried surviving spouse, civil union partner, or domestic partner of a qualifying veteran can claim the same $250 deduction. Since a 2020 constitutional amendment, wartime service is no longer required — peacetime veterans qualify too. File Form V.S.S. once with the municipal tax assessor or collector, with the DD-214 as proof of service.

What you'll need

• Completed Form V.S.S. (Property Tax Deduction Claim by Veteran or Surviving Spouse)
• DD-214 or other proof of active duty service and honorable discharge
• Proof of New Jersey residency and property ownership (deed, driver's license, or voter registration)
• For a surviving spouse: the veteran's death certificate and marriage record, plus 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 $250 Veteran Property Tax Deduction. 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 v.s.s. (property tax deduction claim by veteran or surviving spouse), dd-214 or other proof of active duty service and honorable discharge, proof of new jersey residency and property ownership (deed, driver's license, or voter registration) — 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 you qualify — you must be an honorably discharged veteran who served on active duty (not active duty for training only) and own a home in New Jersey. Surviving spouses, civil union partners, or domestic partners of a qualifying veteran may also apply, as long as they have not remarried and the veteran was a New Jersey resident at death. All requirements must be met as of October 1 of the year before the tax year.
2. Gather your documents. Veterans need: a completed Form V.S.S. (Property Tax Deduction Claim by Veteran or Surviving Spouse), a DD-214 or other proof of active duty service and honorable discharge, and proof of New Jersey residency and property ownership (such as a deed, driver's license, or voter registration card). Surviving spouses also need the veteran's death certificate and marriage record, plus proof the veteran was a New Jersey resident at death.
3. Complete Form V.S.S. Fill it out carefully and make sure all information matches your supporting documents.
4. Submit your application. You can apply online or call the NJ Division of Taxation at 609-292-7974 for guidance. File the completed Form V.S.S. and all required documents with your municipal tax assessor or collector.
5. Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.

What to expect: After submitting Form V.S.S. and your supporting documents, your municipal tax assessor or collector will review your application. Processing times vary, so contact your local assessor's office or call 609-292-7974 for an estimate. If approved, $250 will be deducted from your annual property tax bill. This is a one-time application — you do not need to reapply every year. However, your municipality may occasionally ask you to re-confirm your eligibility, so respond promptly if contacted.

Renewals

one-time application; the municipality may ask to re-confirm eligibility