In a move to provide added property tax relief for disabled veterans, Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) is pushing two pieces of legislation that will expand the definition of who can qualify for the Commonwealth's Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption Program.

“While I remain committed to reforming our broken property tax system for all homeowners," Taylor said, “expanding the definition of which veterans can qualify for this tax exemption is another way to help our veterans who have placed themselves in harm’s way."

The first piece of legislation is a joint resolution to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to remove the “served during a period of war" and the "financial need" requirements for the Commonwealth's Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption Program.

This change would provide property tax relief for all veterans who have been classified as 100 percent disabled, regardless if their disability was sustained during wartime or peacetime. It will also remove the financial need assessment.  The amendment would also allow the surviving spouse of a soldier killed in action to qualify for this program.

“Research has shown that there are approximately 7,300 fully disabled veterans living in Pennsylvania, but only 2,000 of these permanently disabled veterans qualify for this real estate tax exemption program,” Taylor said.  “Expanding the benefit is the least we can do for those who have suffered an extreme sacrifice while serving our nation.”

The second bill provides a tax relief stipend to disabled veterans who are not 100-percent disabled. This proposal would function in conjunction with the current property tax/rent rebate program administered on behalf of low-income senior citizens. The rebate for disabled veterans will be structured as follows:

Those up to 30 percent disabled would receive a $200 rebate; those between 31 and 60 percent disabled would receive $350; and those 61 to 99 percent disabled would receive $500.  Those considered 100 percent disabled would exempt from property taxes.

“As more of our fellow Pennsylvanians are wounded in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, we must ease their pain and suffering upon their return,” Taylor said.  “Through their service, I believe they have earned this benefit.”

Rep. John Taylor

PA House of Representatives

Contact: David J. Foster

(267) 207-0207