Virginia law has created a real estate tax exemption for certain disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.

Under this program, the disabled veteran or surviving spouse of the veteran does not have to pay local real estate taxes assessed on or after January 1, 2011 on the veteran's principal residence. The veteran must be declared 100 percent service-connected, permanently and totally disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Participants must submit an application to their local jurisdiction to receive this exemption. For the City of Fairfax, applications are available from the Finance Department, Room 312 in City Hall or by email.

The application is a one-time process for an address. However, if the principal place of residence changes, an application must be submitted for the new address.

The exemption is effective beginning on and after January 1, 2011. Taxes assessed for years prior to this date are not eligible for exemption.

By law, disability documentation must come from the VA. It is not sufficient to submit a medical certification from a private physician. To obtain required disability documentation from the VA, complete VA Form 21-4138 and submit it to:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Roanoke Regional Office
210 Franklin Rd SW
Roanoke, VA 24011
Fax: 540-597-1792
Phone: 800-827-1000

The Virginia law was signed on April 6, 2011 and implements the Virginia Constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 2010.

For information or to request an application, email Susan Heath at susan.heath@fairfaxva.gov or call 703-359-2486.