Senators Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks/Montgomery) and Rosemary Brown (R-Lackawanna/Monroe/Wayne) have teamed up to introduce legislation aimed at providing property tax relief to more disabled Pennsylvania veterans by allowing them to reduce the assessed value on their property in relation to their disability rating.
“Many of our veterans have suffered devastating, life-changing injuries in connection with their service,” Pennycuick said. “Each day brings a host of new challenges, including the search for medical treatment and accommodations. Worrying about whether property taxes will prevent them from staying in their homes should be the least of their concerns.”
Currently, 100% permanently disabled veterans can obtain 100% property tax relief. Unfortunately, those who are not 100% permanently disabled receive no reduction, even though they can experience significant challenges.
Senate Bill 844 would allow for a reduction in assessed value of a disabled veteran’s property value, building and land, for the purposes of property tax assessment. The assessed values would be lowered in relation to the individual’s disability rating.
“Our veterans and their families risked everything, including their health and well-being, for us and our country through their military service,” said Brown. “Now it’s our time to take care of them, it’s the right thing to do.”
Under the proposed legislation, reduction in property assessments would be as follows:
- For a disability between 10% and 30%, the reduction would be $7,500.
- For a disability between 30% and 50%, the reduction would be $10,000.
- For a disability between 50% and 70%, the reduction would be $12,500.
- For a disability of at least 70%, the reduction would be $15,000.
Each veteran must have been honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability as declared by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Only primary residences would be eligible for this program.
Senate Bill 844 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.