VA Disability Status and Property Tax Exemption
If you are a 100% permanent and totally disabled veteran, you can qualify for a property tax exemption. Fifty percent of the first $200,000 in the actual value of your primary residence is exempted from property taxation. The State of Colorado pays the exempted portion of your property tax.
The Property Tax Exemption for veterans is administered by the Department of Local Affairs.
It’s important to know that this exemption only applies for veterans who are rated at 100% and have received permanent and total disability status. Veterans receiving total disability based on individual unemployability (“TDIU”) are not eligible if they are not rated at 100%, permanent and total.
To qualify, you must have owned and occupied the property as your primary residence on January 1st of the year in which you are applying for the exemption. To apply, file an application with the Division of Veterans Affairs.
Eligible Veterans and the State Employment Hiring Preferences
Eligible veterans may be given preference points when applying for state jobs in Colorado. A ten-point hiring preference is given to honorably separated veterans who qualify as disabled because they have served on active duty in the Armed Forces at any time and have a present service-connected disability.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Veterans who are disabled and residents of Colorado are eligible to apply for a lifetime fishing and small game combo license. You must have proof of a service-connected disability rated at 60% or more. Purple Heart recipients are also eligible to apply for the combo license. Find out about the application requirements here.
Colorado Veterans Gain Free Admission to Colorado State Parks
Veterans with current Colorado Disabled Veterans license plates may access Colorado State Parks free without a pass on the windshield. These plates are obtained through the Division of Motor VehiclesVeterans with current Colorado Disabled Veterans license plates may access Colorado State Parks free without a pass on the windshield. These plates are obtained through the Division of Motor Vehicles, so long as you meet certain requirements.
All veterans are admitted free to Colorado state parks for the month of August. The veteran must show proof of military service and obtain the free pass from any Colorado state parks or CPW office. All other park fees such as camping fees are still charged. Click here for a detailed flyer containing the requirements.
All veterans may also receive free admission on Veteran’s Day (November 11) to all state parks. The veteran must show proof of military service (photo ID, DD-214). All other park fees such as camping fees are still charged.
Beginning September 1, 2020, all Colorado resident disabled veterans who qualify may obtain a free Independence Pass, which provides unlimited access to all Colorado state parks. The Colorado Parks & Wildlife department gives specific qualifications and application requirements on their website.
If you have any questions about anything mentioned in the article or about how to get help with your VA appeal call us at (303) 848-3911 or contact us online, Attorney-at-Law, today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.