Beyond the homestead, many states offer extra property tax relief for seniors (often 65+), people with disabilities, and veterans (especially disabled veterans, where the break can be very large — even a full exemption in some states). These are valuable and routinely missed because you have to apply.
Common categories (varies by state)
- Senior / over-65 — extra exemption and sometimes an assessment “freeze” that locks your value.
- Disability — exemption for homeowners with a qualifying disability.
- Veteran / disabled veteran — partial to full exemption, often scaled to the VA disability rating; surviving spouses may qualify.
- These often stack with the homestead exemption.
The letter
[Your full name]
[Your mailing address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Phone] | [Email]
[Date]
[County Assessor / Appraisal District]
[Address]
Re: Application for [senior / disability / veteran] property tax exemption
Owner: [Name] Parcel / account number: [number]
Property address: [address]
To the Assessor's Office:
I am applying for the [senior (age 65+) / disability / veteran / disabled-veteran]
property tax exemption on my primary residence above. I believe I qualify because:
[e.g. "I turned 65 on [date]" / "I have a qualifying disability" / "I am a veteran
with a VA disability rating of __%"].
Please send the official application form and tell me what documentation you
require (e.g. proof of age/ID, disability determination, or VA rating letter
/ DD-214), the filing deadline, and whether the exemption can apply to the current
or prior tax year. Please also confirm whether this exemption stacks with my
homestead exemption and whether a senior value freeze is available.
Enclosed: [supporting documents, if available].
Sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your printed name]
How to send it
Use the assessor’s specific form for each exemption and attach the proof they require (age/ID, disability award, or VA disability rating letter / DD-214 for veterans). Ask whether you can backfile prior years. Apply for every category you qualify for — they often combine.
Notes. Amounts, age thresholds, income limits, disability/rating requirements, freezes, and surviving-spouse rules all vary by state and sometimes county. A denial can usually be appealed like a value dispute (see appeal to the next level). General information, not legal or tax advice — verify your state’s program.