Vermont · Property tax exemptions for surviving spouses · Updated Oct 2026

Vermont property tax exemptions for surviving spouses (2026)

Every statewide property tax break in Vermont 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 Vermont is the Veterans Property Tax Exemption. At least $10,000 off the appraised value of your home.

Worth: $10,000
Income limit: None listed in our sources
Deadline: May 1

Property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Vermont

Disabled veterans

Veterans Property Tax Exemption

At least $10,000 off the appraised value of your home. Your town may vote to raise it to as much as $40,000. Example: on a $200,000 home in a town with a $20,000 exemption, you are taxed on $180,000.

For surviving spouses: You own and live in the home and you (or your spouse, widow(er) or child) receive VA disability compensation for at least a 50% rating, the VA non-service-connected (improved) pension, permanent military medical retirement pay, or death/DIC compensation.

Who qualifies: You own and live in the home and you (or your spouse, widow(er) or child) receive VA disability compensation for at least a 50% rating, the VA non-service-connected (improved) pension, permanent military medical retirement pay, or death/DIC compensation. The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who had the exemption keeps it. Only one exemption per property; rented or business parts are not exempt.
How to apply: Each year before May 1, send the Disabled Veteran and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption form (from the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, veterans.vermont.gov) and your current VA Summary of Benefits letter to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, 118 State St., Montpelier, VT 05602.
Deadline: Before May 1 of the tax year.
Renewal: Every year before May 1, unless the VA rates you permanently and totally disabled; then you apply only in the first year, and again if you move to a new home.
Law: 32 V.S.A. §3802(11)

Source: official page

How to apply, step by step

Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Each year before May 1, send the Disabled Veteran and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption form (from the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, veterans.vermont.gov) and your current VA Summary of Benefits letter to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, 118 State St., Montpelier, VT 05602.

Deadline: Before May 1 of the tax year.

Renewal: Every year before May 1, unless the VA rates you permanently and totally disabled; then you apply only in the first year, and again if you move to a new home.

Savings estimate for Vermont

Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.

Eligibility finder for Vermont

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.

Do you own the home and live in it as your main home?

Your age, or the year you were born

Leave empty if you'd rather not say.

Are you a veteran?

Do you have a permanent disability?

Are you the surviving spouse of a veteran, service member or first responder?

Yearly household income ($)

Everyone in the home, before taxes. Optional: used only to compare with income limits.

Do you own and live in the home?Answer the first question to see results.

A first check, not a decision: only your county, city or town assessor decides. We read ages, ratings and income limits only where the official rule states them plainly; otherwise we show the rule for you to check.

Document checklist for Vermont

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 Vermont

Who qualifies for property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Vermont?

Veterans Property Tax Exemption: You own and live in the home and you (or your spouse, widow(er) or child) receive VA disability compensation for at least a 50% rating, the VA non-service-connected (improved) pension, permanent military medical retirement pay, or death/DIC compensation. The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who had the exemption keeps it.

Is there an income limit for surviving spouses' property tax breaks in Vermont?

Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.

When is the deadline for surviving spouses to apply in Vermont?

Veterans Property Tax Exemption: Before May 1 of the tax year.

Do surviving spouses have to reapply every year in Vermont?

Veterans Property Tax Exemption: Every year before May 1, unless the VA rates you permanently and totally disabled; then you apply only in the first year, and again if you move to a new home.

Where do surviving spouses apply for property tax breaks in Vermont?

The Vermont Department of Taxes handles the Homestead Declaration and the Property Tax Credit (you file with the state, usually with your income tax return). Your town listers or assessor value the home and apply the veterans exemption after the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs confirms you qualify. For the Veterans Property Tax Exemption: Each year before May 1, send the Disabled Veteran and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption form (from the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, veterans.vermont.gov) and your current VA Summary of Benefits letter to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, 118 State St., Montpelier, VT 05602.

More for Vermont homeowners

Surviving spouses in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.