Washington · Property tax exemptions for veterans · Updated Oct 2026
Washington property tax exemptions for veterans (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for veterans in Washington that our guide lists, from disabled-veteran exemptions to breaks for surviving spouses. What each is worth, the VA rating it needs, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for veterans in Washington is the Property Tax Assistance for Widows or Widowers of Veterans. A yearly grant (check) from the state that pays the regular and excess property taxes on part of your home's value: on up to $200,000 (income at or below Threshold 1), $150,000 (Threshold 2) or $100,000 (Threshold 3), minus any value already exempted under the senior exemption.
- Worth
- See the rules
- VA rating
- See who qualifies
- Income limit
- Combined disposable income at or below Income Threshold 3 for your county
- Deadline
- March 31
For surviving spouses of veterans and service members
These breaks are for the surviving spouse. See every break a surviving spouse in Washington can claim or keep on the surviving spouses page.
Surviving spousesProperty Tax Assistance for Widows or Widowers of Veterans
A yearly grant (check) from the state that pays the regular and excess property taxes on part of your home's value: on up to $200,000 (income at or below Threshold 1), $150,000 (Threshold 2) or $100,000 (Threshold 3), minus any value already exempted under the senior exemption. You do not repay it if you live in the home until at least December 15 of that year.
- Who qualifies
- The unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, was rated 100% disabled for 10 years before death, was a former POW rated 100% for one year before death, or died on active duty or in training. You must be at least 62 by December 31 of the year taxes are due, or retired because of a disability, and own and live in the home.
- Income limit
- Combined disposable income at or below Income Threshold 3 for your county (King County, taxes due 2026: $84,000)
- How to apply
- Send the Property Tax Assistance Claim Form for Widows/Widowers of Veterans and the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet to the Department of Revenue. You must also apply for the senior exemption with your county.
- Deadline
- By March 31; the Department may accept late applications.
- Renewal
- Every year.
- Law
- RCW chapter 84.39
Source: official page
How to apply, step by step
- Send the Property Tax Assistance Claim Form for Widows/Widowers of Veterans and the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet to the Department of Revenue.
- You must also apply for the senior exemption with your county.
Deadline: By March 31; the Department may accept late applications.
Renewal: Every year.
Savings estimate for Washington
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 Washington
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for veterans: you own and live in the home and are a veteran. Add your VA rating, and change any answer.
Document checklist for Washington
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 veterans property tax breaks in Washington
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for veterans in Washington?
Property Tax Assistance for Widows or Widowers of Veterans: The unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, was rated 100% disabled for 10 years before death, was a former POW rated 100% for one year before death, or died on active duty or in training. You must be at least 62 by December 31 of the year taxes are due, or retired because of a disability, and own and live in the home.
Is there an income limit for veterans' property tax breaks in Washington?
Property Tax Assistance for Widows or Widowers of Veterans: Combined disposable income at or below Income Threshold 3 for your county (King County, taxes due 2026: $84,000)
When is the deadline for veterans to apply in Washington?
Property Tax Assistance for Widows or Widowers of Veterans: By March 31; the Department may accept late applications.
Do veterans have to reapply every year in Washington?
Property Tax Assistance for Widows or Widowers of Veterans: Every year.
Where do veterans apply for property tax breaks in Washington?
Your county assessor decides and processes the senior/disabled exemption and both deferral programs (in King County, the King County Department of Assessments). The Washington Department of Revenue runs the grant program for widows and widowers of veterans and sets the income thresholds for each county. For the Property Tax Assistance for Widows or Widowers of Veterans: Send the Property Tax Assistance Claim Form for Widows/Widowers of Veterans and the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet to the Department of Revenue.
SourcesLast checked: Oct 2026.