Special to the Times-Review
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Veterans with a service-connected disability may reduce their property taxes in 2010 by filling out an exemption form at Central Appraisal District of Johnson County office.
Under recently approved legislation a veteran may qualify for a 100 percent exemption of his or her taxes.
A veteran’s percentage of service-connected disability determines the amount of the exemption — from a $5,000 to a $12,000 deduction from the veteran’s property value.
The law provides partial exemptions for any property owned by veterans who are disabled, spouses and survivors of deceased disabled veterans and spouses and survivors of military personnel who died on active duty.
The amount of exemption is determined according to percentage of service-connected disability.
Any eligible person who has not received this exemption should apply by April 30.
An applicant may claim the exemption on only one piece of property, such as a home or any other property the applicant owned on Jan. 1.
The applicant must be a Texas resident to qualify.
A disabled veteran who receives from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor 100 percent disability compensation because of a service-connected disability and a rating of 100 percent disabled or of individual unemployability is entitled to an exemption from taxation of the appraised value of the veteran’s residence homestead.
The law does not provide this exemption to spouses and survivors of deceased disabled veterans.
The appraisal district may require proof of the disability, such as documentation from the Veterans Administration or the branch of the armed services in which the veteran served.
Obtain an application form and more information about specific qualifications from the Central Appraisal District of Johnson County at 109 North Main Street in Cleburne during office hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays, or call 817-648-3000.
Forms are also available at www.johnsoncad.com.
