Disabled Veterans Reminded to Contact Local Municipality to Qualify for Property Tax Exemption

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 5, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding U.S. Military veterans, deemed to be 100% disabled as the result of military service, that they must file an affidavit with their local unit of government confirming eligibility for property tax relief provided under Public Act 161 of 2013, which Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law last month.

Eligible veterans may ensure they qualify for the property tax exemption for 2013 by filing an affidavit with their municipality for approval at the December Board of Review. Affidavits must be filed with the local unit prior to December 10th, in order for the veteran’s primary, full-time residence to be considered for an exemption for 2013. Individuals submitting affidavits must also provide to local officials, documented proof of their disability status. The disabled veteran must have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States and must also be a Michigan resident. The exemption is available for current and future years, but not for property taxes paid prior to 2013.

The State Tax Commission has made local Assessors and Equalization Directors aware of this new provision and has provided a copy of a draft Affidavit to local officials.

In order to receive the exemption beyond 2013, veterans must file an affidavit confirming their eligibility with their local unit annually. If a disabled veteran, who is eligible for the exemption dies either before or after the exemption is granted, the exemption will be available to his or her un-remarried surviving spouse.

For more information on P.A. 161 of 2013, and the draft Affidavit, visit the State Tax Commission page, under Local Government Services, on the Michigan Department of Treasury Web site at www.michigan.gov/statetaxcommission.