Deadline Approaching for Disabled Veterans to Apply for County Property Tax Exemption

Salem-News.com

(Salem) - The deadline is approaching for veterans with service-connected disabilities to apply with their county tax assessors office for property tax exemption.

Along with an increased property tax exemption for disabled veterans, a newly-created property tax exemption is available to certain National Guard servicemembers and Reservists activated to federal service.

Property tax exemptions will not occur automatically. Application MUST be made on or before April 1st with your county assessor`s office.

Forty percent or more service-connected disabled veterans will be eligible for an exemption from taxation not to exceed $18,000 of the assessed value of the property. If a qualified veteran dies during the prior tax year, the surviving spouse may file for the exemption.

Applications are due on or before April 1st.

Surviving Spouses can file at any time during the current tax year if the war veteran died anytime during the previous tax year or if the homestead property was acquired after March 1st, but prior to July 1st, and the veteran died within 30 days of the date property was acquired.

Oregon National Guard and Reservists called to active duty on or after January 1st, 2005, and who served for more than 178 days during the tax year may be eligible for an exemption from taxation of $60,000 of the assessed value of a property in Oregon. If a qualified servicemember is killed in action, the lawful occupant of the servicemember`s home may file for the exemption.

Qualified servicemembers can claim their exemption by completing and filing the Oregon Active Military Servicemember`s Exemption Claim. Forms should be returned to the county assessor`s office along with any other documentation necessary on or before April 1st, 2006 for the 2006-2007 tax year.

The new active military forms are available online at www.oregon.gov/DOR/PTD/docs/303-084.pdf.

To obtain more information about either property tax exemption, contact your county assessor`s office or call the Department of Revenue toll-free at 800) 356-4222, or

TTY call (800) 886-7204.

Salem-area county tax assessor office numbers are:

Marion - (503) 588-5144

Polk - (503) 623-8391

Linn - (541) 967-3808

Yamhill - (503) 434-7521