New Jersey Property Tax Relief Resource Guide Official NJ Treasury
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For NJ Veterans

NJ Veterans Property Tax Benefits

New Jersey offers two separate property tax benefits for veterans, an annual $250 deduction for all eligible veterans, and a full exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Both are permanent once applied for.

How to Apply Ask a Free Question
$250
Annual deduction, all eligible veterans
$0
Property tax for 100% disabled veterans
1x
Apply once, stays on your record
Veterans benefits do NOT go through the PAS-1 form. Both the $250 deduction and the disability exemption are applied for directly through your municipal tax assessor's office. Apply once and it stays on your property record permanently.
Annual Deduction

$250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction

Every eligible NJ veteran homeowner is entitled to a $250 reduction on their annual property tax bill, automatically renewed every year once you apply.

Who Qualifies

  • Honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed ForcesActive duty or wartime/peacetime service both qualify
  • NJ resident and property ownerMust own and occupy the property as your principal NJ residence
  • Surviving spouses also qualifySurviving spouse of an eligible veteran, must not have remarried
  • No income limitThe $250 deduction has no income requirement
  • No age requirementAny eligible veteran homeowner at any age qualifies
One-time application. Once you apply and are approved at your municipal tax office, the $250 deduction is applied to your account annually, you don't need to reapply each year.

Documents You'll Need

  • DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)Your military discharge document, the most important item
  • Proof of NJ property ownershipDeed or current property tax bill
  • Photo IDDriver's license or state ID
Lost your DD-214? Request a copy at no charge through the National Archives at archives.gov/veterans or call 1-866-272-6272.

Where to Apply

Apply at your municipal tax assessor's officenot the county, not the state. Find your assessor through your town's official website or call your town hall directly. Most municipalities accept walk-in applications during business hours.

Full Exemption

100% Disabled Veteran: Full Property Tax Exemption

New Jersey veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA may receive a complete exemption from property taxes on their principal residence, meaning $0 owed.

Complete Property Tax Exemption

If you qualify, you pay $0 in property taxes on your NJ principal residence, every year, permanently.

Average NJ property tax bill: $9,000+/year in savings for qualifying veterans.

Who Qualifies

  • VA rating of 100% service-connected disabilityMust be a total and permanent disability determination from the VA
  • Honorably discharged from U.S. Armed ForcesMust have an honorable discharge (DD-214 required)
  • NJ resident and homeownerMust own and occupy as your principal NJ residence
  • Surviving spouses may also qualifyContact your county assessor to verify eligibility in your situation
Important distinction: This exemption requires a VA determination of total and permanent 100% service-connected disability, not just a 100% rating for compensation purposes. If you have a 100% rating but it's not "permanent," contact the VA about upgrading your determination.

Documents Required for Full Exemption

  • VA disability letter / rating decisionShowing 100% total and permanent service-connected disability
  • DD-214Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
  • Copy of your deedProving ownership of the NJ property
  • Photo IDDriver's license or state-issued ID
Apply at your County Tax Assessor's officenot your town. County-level assessors handle the full exemption. Find yours at your county's official website.
Application Process

How to Apply for Veterans Property Tax Benefits

Neither veterans benefit goes through the state, both are handled locally through your municipal or county tax office.

1

Gather Your DD-214

Your DD-214 is the most important document. If you don't have it, request a free copy at archives.gov/veterans, allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

2

$250 Deduction: Go to Your Town

Call your town hall and ask for the tax assessor's office. Bring your DD-214, deed or tax bill, and ID. Most towns process same-day.

3

Full Exemption: Go to Your County

For the 100% disabled exemption, contact your county tax assessor's office. Bring your VA disability letter, DD-214, deed, and ID.

4

Approval is Permanent

Once approved, both benefits stay on your property account. You don't reapply each year. The deduction or exemption is applied automatically to each annual bill.

South Jersey County Tax Assessor Contacts

Camden County
camdencounty.com
520 Market St, Camden NJ
Gloucester County
gloucestercountynj.gov
2 S Broad St, Woodbury NJ
Burlington County
co.burlington.nj.us
49 Rancocas Rd, Mt Holly NJ
Salem County
salemcountynj.gov
92 Market St, Salem NJ
Common Questions

Veterans Benefits FAQ

Can I get the $250 deduction AND the full exemption?
Not simultaneously. The full exemption for 100% disabled veterans replaces and supersedes the $250 deduction, since you owe $0 in taxes, there's no bill to deduct from. Apply for the full exemption if you qualify.
Can I get veterans benefits AND ANCHOR?
Yes. Veterans benefits and ANCHOR are completely separate programs. Eligible veterans who also qualify for ANCHOR (based on income and residency) can receive both, the $250 deduction on their property tax bill and the ANCHOR cash benefit. Apply for each separately through their respective offices.
My rating is 100% but not marked "permanent" - do I still qualify?
NJ requires that the disability be both total (100%) AND permanent. If your VA rating is 100% for compensation purposes but not officially "permanent and total," you may not qualify for the full property tax exemption. Contact the VA about upgrading your determination to "permanent and total" - many veterans qualify for this and don't realize it.
I'm a surviving spouse. Am I still eligible for veterans benefits?
Yes, surviving spouses of eligible veterans may qualify for the $250 deduction, provided they have not remarried and they own and occupy the property. For the full exemption (100% disabled), surviving spouses should contact their county assessor for specific eligibility. Rules can vary based on circumstances.
Do I need to reapply for the $250 deduction every year?
No. Once approved, the deduction stays on your property tax account permanently. You only need to notify the assessor's office if you move to a different property, at which point you'd apply at the new location.
Other Programs

Other Programs That May Apply to You

ANCHOR Program
Up to $1,500 for homeowners, $700 for renters 65+. Separate from veterans benefits, many veterans qualify for both.
Up to $1,500
Stay NJ & Senior Freeze
Veterans 65+ may also qualify for Stay NJ (50% off tax bill) and Senior Freeze (reimbursement).
Up to $6,500
Age 65+
Property Tax Appeal
If your assessment is too high, appeal it. Free MLS comp reports available from our team.
Varies

Questions About Veterans Benefits?

John Scafide is a South Jersey real estate agent and tax professional. Get a free answer about veterans property tax benefits, ANCHOR eligibility, or South Jersey home values.

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