California Veterans With a 100% VA Disability Rating Could Pay ZERO Property Tax
If you're a California veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating — or if you receive compensation at the 100% rate due to Individual Unemployability (IU) — you may be eligible to significantly reduce — or in some cases, effectively eliminate — your annual property tax bill. This is one of the most valuable and least-understood benefits available to disabled veterans in California.
At a Glance
- Basic exemption: $175,298 reduction in assessed value — saving roughly $1,900–$2,200/year at typical SoCal tax rates.
- Low-income exemption: $262,950 reduction — saving roughly $2,900–$3,300/year.
- Combined with other exemptions and on higher-value homes, total annual savings can reach $5,000–$10,000+.
- You must file Form BOE-261-G with your county assessor by February 15 each year.
What Is the Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption?
California offers a Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption under Revenue and Taxation Code §6110. This isn't a one-time deduction — it's an annual reduction in the assessed value of your primary residence that lowers your property tax bill every year you qualify.
The California Board of Equalization adjusts the exemption amounts annually for inflation. For the 2025–2026 tax year:
- Basic Exemption: Reduces your property's assessed value by $175,298.
- Low-Income Exemption: If your total household income is $78,718 or less, the reduction increases to $262,950.
In practice, this means a qualifying veteran owning a home in Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, or anywhere in Southern California could save thousands of dollars every year — and the savings compound over the entire time you own and occupy the home.
Who Qualifies for the Exemption?
The exemption is available to California veterans (and unmarried surviving spouses) who meet all of the following criteria:
- 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, OR compensation at the 100% rate due to Individual Unemployability (IU).
- Veterans who are blind in both eyes or have lost the use of two or more limbs also qualify.
- The property must be your principal place of residence — the home where you live full-time.
- You must be a California resident as of January 1 of the year you file.
- Your character of discharge must be "other than dishonorable" (honorable, general, or other than honorable).
Important: A rating of 90% or 80% does not qualify for this specific exemption. You must be rated at 100% — either individually or through Individual Unemployability. If you're close to 100% and working with the VA on an increase, it's worth filing as soon as your rating is finalized.
Real Dollar Savings for Southern California Homeowners
Let's look at what this exemption actually means in dollars. California's effective property tax rate typically ranges from 1.1% to 1.25% of assessed value, depending on the county and the home's purchase date under Proposition 13.
| Home Assessed Value | Basic Exemption Savings | Low-Income Savings |
|---|---|---|
| $600,000 | ~$1,928/year | ~$2,893/year |
| $800,000 | ~$1,928/year | ~$2,893/year |
| $1,000,000 | ~$1,928/year | ~$2,893/year |
| $1,500,000 | ~$1,928/year | ~$2,893/year |
* Savings shown are based on the exemption amount reducing assessed value at an effective rate of ~1.1%. Actual savings depend on your county's tax rate and any applicable special assessments. When combined with the standard homeowner's exemption and other applicable exemptions, total savings can be significantly higher.
Over 10 years of ownership, the basic exemption alone saves a veteran $19,280 or more. For low-income veterans, that figure rises to $28,930+. And these are recurring annual savings — they don't expire as long as you continue to qualify.
"Many veterans I work with don't know this exemption exists until someone tells them. That's thousands of dollars a year they're leaving on the table — money that should stay in their pocket."
— Sam Silver, U.S. Army Veteran & REALTOR®
How to Apply: County-by-County Guide
The application process is straightforward, but it requires action on your part. You don't get this exemption automatically — you must file with your county assessor's office every year.
What You Need to File
- Form BOE-261-G — Claim for Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption (new claims), or Form BOE-261-GNT for annual renewals.
- DD-214 or discharge document showing "other than dishonorable" character of service.
- VA Disability Rating Letter showing 100% service-connected disability (or 100% IU).
- Proof of California residency (driver's license, utility bill, etc.).
- Income documentation (for the low-income exemption tier).
The Deadline: February 15
File by February 15 of each year for the full exemption. Claims filed after February 15 but before December 10 may still receive a partial exemption for that tax year — but don't wait. Late filings mean lost savings for part of the year.
County Assessor Contact Information
Los Angeles County
Note: This office covers Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley, and all communities within LA County. In-person and mail-in filings are accepted.
Ventura County
Ventura County requires a letter from the USDVA or military service confirming total disability, in addition to the standard BOE-261-G form.
Riverside County
Riverside County covers the Inland Empire communities including Corona, Temecula, Palm Springs, and the San Gorgonio Pass.
San Bernardino County
In 2025, over 6,500 disabled veterans in San Bernardino County qualified for this exemption — one of the highest counts in the state.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Money
After helping veteran clients for more than 22 years, I've seen these mistakes over and over:
Not filing because you didn't know it existed
This is the most common issue. Many veterans — even those with a 100% rating — have never heard of this exemption. It doesn't apply automatically. You must file.
Missing the February 15 deadline
Filing after the deadline means a partial exemption for that year at best. Mark your calendar and file early — don't wait until the last minute.
Not renewing every year
The exemption isn't a one-time filing. You need to renew annually using Form BOE-261-GNT. Some veterans file once and forget — then lose the benefit.
Assuming your rating qualifies when it's below 100%
A 90% or 80% rating does not qualify for this exemption. You must be at 100% — either individually or through Individual Unemployability. Check your rating letter carefully.
Filing for the wrong exemption tier
If your household income is below the threshold, you may qualify for the higher $262,950 low-income exemption instead of the basic $175,298. Don't leave that extra savings on the table.
Not updating your filing after a change in disability rating
If your rating increases to 100% during the year, file as soon as it's finalized. You may be eligible for a partial-year exemption in the year your rating changes.
Why This Matters for Homeowners and Buyers
If you're a veteran with a 100% disability rating and you're considering buying a home in Southern California, this exemption changes the math significantly. On a home valued at $800,000 in Santa Clarita — a common price point in our market — the basic exemption alone reduces your annual property tax by nearly $2,000. With the low-income tier, that savings increases.
For veterans already owning a home who haven't filed, you may be able to recover benefits for the current year and set yourself up for ongoing savings every year moving forward.
This exemption, combined with VA home loan benefits (zero down payment, no PMI, competitive rates), makes homeownership more accessible for disabled veterans than most people realize.
"As a fellow veteran, I want every disabled veteran in California to know about this benefit. It's your right — don't let paperwork or missed deadlines cost you thousands of dollars a year."
Save This Post
Know a veteran who could benefit from this? Share this article with a fellow veteran, military family member, or anyone navigating the home buying process in California. Bookmark this page so you have the county contacts and deadlines handy when it's time to file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do California veterans with a 100% VA disability rating pay property tax?
What is Revenue and Taxation Code Section 6110?
Who qualifies for the California disabled veterans property tax exemption?
How much can a 100% disabled veteran save on property taxes in Southern California?
What is the deadline to file the disabled veterans property tax exemption?
Can a surviving spouse claim the disabled veterans property tax exemption?
Related Resources for Veterans
Sam Silver
U.S. Army Veteran · AI-Certified REALTOR® · 22+ Years Experience
Equity Union Real Estate · CalDRE #01412755
Have Questions About Your Benefits?
As a fellow veteran and REALTOR®, I help disabled veterans understand and access every benefit available to them — including property tax exemptions, VA home loans, and more.
This is not intended as a solicitation if you are currently working with another real estate broker. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Tax exemption amounts and eligibility are determined by the California Board of Equalization and your county assessor's office. Consult a tax professional or your county assessor for advice specific to your situation.