Benefits · Tax Relief
How to apply for New Jersey $250 Veteran Property Tax Deduction
Municipal tax assessor or collector (statewide deduction under N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.10 et seq., overseen by the NJ Division of Taxation)
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.
The deduction requires active duty service with an honorable discharge — active duty for training alone (National Guard or Reserve members never called to active duty) does not qualify. All requirements must be met as of October 1 of the year before the tax year. A surviving spouse must not have remarried, and the veteran must have been a New Jersey resident at death.
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
Apply online: official application
By phone: 609-292-7974
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.
Renewals
one-time application; the municipality may ask to re-confirm eligibility
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.