Did you know… There are recent changes to the Kootenai County Veteran’s 100% Service Connected Disabled Veteran’s Property Tax Benefit filing process?

Between Jan. 2 and April 15, 2024, disabled veterans who have a 100% service connected disability rating and/or Individual Unemployability (IU) may apply for a $1,500 property tax benefit for tax year 2023. Veterans who qualify will see their property tax bill reduced by $1,500 for their primary home and up to one acre. Income is not a factor for qualification.

So what’s the change? If you are classified as “totally and permanently disabled,” you will need to acquire your benefit letter, dated from Jan. 2 to April 15, 2024, to turn into the Kootenai County Assessor’s Office to take advantage of your tax savings. After this year, “totally and permanently disabled” veterans will no longer be required to request their benefit letter from the VA every year and provide it to the Kootenai County Assessor’s office.

Please note that your benefit letter from the VA must say the words “totally and permanently disabled” and marked “Yes.” All other veteran’s qualifying for the tax benefit but not classified as such will need to acquire a VA benefit letter each year, dated Jan. 2 to April 15 during that tax season and deliver to the Assessor’s office. 

Lastly, surviving spouses may be eligible and/or receiving this tax benefit, if the veteran was receiving the property tax benefit at time of death and the surviving spouse has not moved from the residence tied to the tax benefit. The benefit does not transfer to new residences, in this case. If the spouse moves or dies, the benefit becomes null and void. Note, surviving spouses will be required to apply every year for the tax benefit.

If you get anything out of this article, make sure you look at your VA benefit letter and look for the words “totally and permanently disabled” and marked “yes.” If you are, then this is the last year you will need to provide your letter to the Assessor’s office, unless you move residences. However, the Assessor’s office may correspond with you to validate you have not changed residences from previous filing. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE — GET YOUR BENEFIT LETTER LONG BEFORE THE APRIL 15 DEADLINE.

If you need help acquiring a BENEFIT Letter, please call Veteran Services, 208-446-1094. 

If you need help determining if you qualify for the benefit, call your local Assessors office at Kootenai County 208-446-1500.

Note: The Tax Reduction Benefit, also known as the Circuit Breaker, does not apply to this article. 

If you are seeking disability compensation for a service connected illness or injury, you will need to file a disability claim. Contact your local VSO office or if you live in Kootenai County call Terri at 208-446-1094 for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our two VSO’s.