Gold Star Family Property Tax Exemption: State-by-State Guide
Gold Star families, those who have lost a loved one in military service, may qualify for property tax exemptions in many states. These exemptions honor the sacrifice of fallen service members by providing financial relief to their surviving family members. The benefits vary from state to state, but several offer full property tax elimination.
TL;DR
- Many states offer property tax exemptions for Gold Star families
- Benefits apply to surviving spouses and sometimes parents of fallen service members
- Some states provide full property tax exemption on the primary residence
- Most require that the service member died in active duty or from service-connected causes
- Remarriage of the surviving spouse may affect eligibility in some states
What Is a Gold Star Family?
A Gold Star family is the immediate family of a service member who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, or as a result of their military service. The term comes from the gold star that families display in their windows to honor a fallen family member, a tradition dating back to World War I.
States With Gold Star Family Property Tax Exemptions
| State | Benefit | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Full property tax exemption | Surviving spouse of member KIA, must not remarry |
| Florida | Full property tax exemption | Surviving spouse of veteran who died from service-connected causes |
| Virginia | Full property tax exemption | Surviving spouse of service member KIA |
| Illinois | Full property tax exemption | Surviving spouse of veteran killed in line of duty |
| Michigan | Full property tax exemption | Surviving spouse of 100% disabled veteran |
| New York | Veterans exemptions | Gold Star parents and surviving spouses |
| Ohio | Enhanced Homestead Exemption | Surviving spouse of disabled veteran |
| Pennsylvania | Full property tax exemption | Surviving spouse of veteran with 100% disability at death |
| Georgia | Up to $108,448 off assessed value | Unremarried surviving spouse of KIA service member |
| North Carolina | $45,000 off appraised value | Surviving spouse of disabled veteran |
| Colorado | 50% of first $200K exempt | Qualifying surviving spouse |
| New Jersey | Full property tax exemption | Surviving spouse of service member KIA or died from service |
How to Apply
Gold Star family members should apply at their county assessor's office or appraisal district with the following documentation:
- Death certificate of the service member
- DD-214 or DD-1300 (Report of Casualty)
- Marriage certificate (for surviving spouses)
- VA determination of service-connected death
- Proof of primary residence
- Government-issued ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Gold Star parents qualify for exemptions?
In some states, yes. New York, for example, offers exemptions to Gold Star parents. Most states focus the benefit on surviving spouses, but check your state's specific rules.
What if the service member died after leaving the military?
If the death was from service-connected causes (such as injuries sustained during service), the surviving spouse may still qualify in most states. The key is whether the VA determines the death to be service-connected.
Can I transfer the exemption if I move?
Some states allow transfer to a new homestead. Texas, Florida, and Virginia are among those that allow it. Check your state's specific rules.
Related Guides
Check Your Exemptions
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