Obtain a Disabled Prisoner of War Tax Exemption

If you are a disabled prisoner of war, you can apply for an exemption on your real estate taxes.

If you are not a disabled POW, other tax relief programs are available.

1. Determine if you meet the qualifications for exemption. You must:
   • be a former prisoner of war, AND
   • a veteran of any branch of the armed forces of the United States or this state who became one hundred percent disabled as a result of his or her military service, AND
   • own and occupy the home in question as your primary residence.
2. Prepare the following documents:
   • Sworn affirmation that you occupy the homestead as your primary residence; AND
   • A letter from the United States Government or United States Department of Veterans Affairs as proof of service-connected total disability; AND
   • One of the following:
     • Form DD214 (Discharge Certificate) showing Ex-prisoner of war status; OR
     • A letter from the military personnel records center, AKA National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) or the United States Department of Veteran Affairs indicating that the applicant is a former prisoner of war.

Mail, fax or email your documents to:

Allow two to three weeks for the paperwork to be reviewed and processed. You will be notified of acceptance or denial by mail, or by email if you have provided an email address.

Once your tax exemption has been approved, it will apply as long as you own and occupy the property. There is no need to apply again.

• The exemption applies only to real property – not to personal property.
• The exemption does not extend to surviving spouses of qualifying former POWs.
• The exemption does not apply to those who are 100% disabled veterans who have not been POWs.