Alabama · Property tax exemptions for surviving spouses · Updated Oct 2026
Alabama property tax exemptions for surviving spouses (2026)
Every statewide property tax break in Alabama that our guide lists for surviving spouses: breaks made for them, and breaks a surviving spouse can keep or claim. What each is worth, who qualifies, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for surviving spouses in Alabama is the Exemption for Veterans' Specially Adapted Homes. The home is exempt from all property taxes, whatever its value.
- Worth
- Full exemption
- Income limit
- None listed in our sources
- Deadline
- October 1 – December 31
Property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Alabama
Disabled veteransExemption for Veterans' Specially Adapted Homes
The home is exempt from all property taxes, whatever its value.
For surviving spouses: A veteran whose home was acquired with a federal VA specially adapted housing grant (Public Law 702, 80th Congress; 38 U.S.C. Chapter 21), as long as the veteran, or the veteran's unremarried surviving spouse, owns and lives in it.
- Who qualifies
- A veteran whose home was acquired with a federal VA specially adapted housing grant (Public Law 702, 80th Congress; 38 U.S.C. Chapter 21), as long as the veteran, or the veteran's unremarried surviving spouse, owns and lives in it. Alabama has no other statewide disabled-veteran property tax exemption based on a VA rating; a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled who draws a disability pension can use the disability exemption above.
- How to apply
- Apply at the county assessor's office. Bring your VA letter showing the home was acquired with a specially adapted housing grant, your DD-214 and your deed.
- Deadline
- Between October 1 and December 31 of the tax year (Ala. Code 40-7-10).
- Renewal
- One-time.
- Law
- Ala. Code 40-9-20
Source: official page
How to apply, step by step
- Apply at the county assessor's office.
- Bring your VA letter showing the home was acquired with a specially adapted housing grant, your DD-214 and your deed.
Deadline: Between October 1 and December 31 of the tax year (Ala. Code 40-7-10).
Renewal: One-time.
Savings estimate for Alabama
None of these breaks is one fixed dollar amount taken off your home's value, so we can't estimate the savings here. What each one is worth is on its card above.
Eligibility finder for Alabama
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for surviving spouses: you own and live in the home and are a surviving spouse. Change any answer.
Document checklist for Alabama
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about surviving spouses property tax breaks in Alabama
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Alabama?
Exemption for Veterans' Specially Adapted Homes: A veteran whose home was acquired with a federal VA specially adapted housing grant (Public Law 702, 80th Congress; 38 U.S.C. Chapter 21), as long as the veteran, or the veteran's unremarried surviving spouse, owns and lives in it. Alabama has no other statewide disabled-veteran property tax exemption based on a VA rating; a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled who draws a disability pension can use the disability exemption above.
Is there an income limit for surviving spouses' property tax breaks in Alabama?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for surviving spouses to apply in Alabama?
Exemption for Veterans' Specially Adapted Homes: Between October 1 and December 31 of the tax year (Ala. Code 40-7-10).
Do surviving spouses have to reapply every year in Alabama?
Exemption for Veterans' Specially Adapted Homes: One-time.
Where do surviving spouses apply for property tax breaks in Alabama?
Your county tax assessor (in some counties the revenue commissioner or property tax commissioner) grants homestead exemptions. You apply in person at that county office; the Alabama Department of Revenue only sets the rules. For the Exemption for Veterans' Specially Adapted Homes: Apply at the county assessor's office.
SourcesLast checked: Oct 2026.