Taxes were on everyone’s mind during the last election season, with 36% of voters rating them as “extremely important” and another 39% rating them “very important,” according to a Gallup poll.
These concerns reflected far past the presidential election. In several states, residents had the opportunity to vote on proposed property tax changes — and most of those ballot measures passed.
About half of the successful measures involve property tax exemptions specifically for veterans or their surviving spouses, which were supported by a large majority of voters, proving that many Americans have a heart for veterans.
Here’s a look at some states with newly expanded property tax breaks for veterans or their widows and widowers, including one state with two such breaks.
Colorado
The measure: Amendment G
When it took effect: The 2025 tax year
Who supported it: Amendment G passed with approval of nearly 73% of Colorado’s voters — far more than the 55% required for passage.
What it does: This measure expands the eligibility for disabled veterans seeking a property tax exemption.
Previously, veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability as a result of their service were eligible for a homestead exemption. But with the enactment of Amendment G, a veteran who isn’t permanently disabled — but is unemployable due to their disability — will be eligible for an exemption too.
Virginia
The measure: Amendment to Article X
When it took effect: Jan. 1, 2025
Who supported it: A whopping 93% of voters
What it does: Prior to the passage of this amendment, Virginia law granted a property tax exemption for the primary home of surviving spouses of soldiers who were killed in combat.
This amendment expands eligibility for that particular exemption to surviving spouses of all soldiers who died in the line of duty, not just those killed in action.
New Mexico (Amendment 1)
The measure: Amendment 1
When it took effect: Upon approval by voters (November 2024)
Who supported it: A large majority — 83% — of New Mexico voters
What it does: Prior to Amendment 1, New Mexico offered a property tax exemption to 100%-disabled veterans and their widows and widowers. The amendment extends that exemption to veterans with varying levels of disability.
Now, all service-disabled veterans (or their widows or widowers) will receive a property tax exemption, even if they aren’t 100% disabled. The amount of the exemption will be based on the severity of a veteran’s disability as determined by their federal disability rating. The rating is assigned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs based on the extent to which a disability decreases a veteran’s overall health and ability to function.
New Mexico (Amendment 2)
The measure: Amendment 2
When it took effect: Upon approval by voters (November 2024)
Who supported it: 72% of New Mexico voters
What it does: Amendment 2 increases the value of the state’s pre-existing property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans and their widows or widowers from $4,000 to $10,000. This dollar amount isn’t set in stone, either. It’ll be adjusted annually for inflation.
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