Texas Tax Exemption Could Be Draw For Veterans
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Texas Tax Exemption Could Be Draw For Veterans
A tax exemption the Texas Legislature approved this spring for disabled veterans could draw veterans and their families to the area, officials say.
Reporter: By Stephanie Franks
Email Address: stephanie.franks@kwtx.com
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WACO (July 7, 2009)--Veterans groups are working on providing a regional network of services to veterans and their families to help meet a potential growing need in Central Texas with the approval of a new state tax exemption for disabled veterans.

House Bill 3613, which was approved by the Texas legislature this spring, exempts veteran who is considered 100% disabled from property taxes, and officials say the law could attract more veterans and their families to the state.

The Waco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and other medical services in Central Texas are also introducing new services that will address the mental care of those soldiers returning from Iraq.

"I don't think people realize those soldiers returning to Fort Hood, then will go to other places to get medical care and will want to be in the vicinity of those services," said Steve Hernandez, McLennan County Veterans Service Officer.

Hernandez is leading the effort is getting other non-profit groups on board with providing housing, educational and medical needs to veterans and their families in Central Texas.

"We're designed to help the veteran but not designed to really help the families," Hernandez said.

Disabled veterans who are unemployed because of to their disabilities may apply for the state property tax exemption by picking up an application at their county's appraisal office.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Barbara Location: Keller, Tx on Jul 29, 2009 at 05:43 PM

John, I received from the appraisal district a form for the veteran's exemption, but it states on there that one of the qualifications to get the 100% exemption is you must be the veteran. It states the surviving spouse & children is ineligible for the exemption. Has this changed then? Thanks for your time.
Posted by: John E. Location: Salado, TX on Jul 16, 2009 at 03:34 PM

Barbara, the surviving spouse of the 100% disabled veteran is also elible for the exemption. The forms would have to be re-submitted so the files could be updated to read widow or widower instead of veteran. This only applies to your homestead.
Posted by: Barbara Location: Keller on Jul 15, 2009 at 10:27 AM

I am really happy that the tax exemption bill was passed for the 100% disabled vets, but what about the surviving spouses of the 100% disabled vet who has lost her husband, source of income, children have lost their fathers & grandfathers due to fighting for our freedom? I think the surviving spouses are entitled to the same exemption. In other states, they get the benefit. From my understanding, the exemption is just for the living veteran. Is this correct?
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