Disabled veterans get tax break

Active duty military personnel serving in combat are also eligible.

By Times staff writer
Published September 1, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - The following discount and grant programs are available to disabled veterans under certain circumstances and to the families of active-duty military personnel serving in combat zones.

The Disabled Veterans Property Tax Discount on Homesteaded Property, which voters approved in November and which took effect this year, provides qualified veterans an additional discount on ad valorem taxes levied on homesteaded property.

Veterans must meet the following criteria:

-Have an honorable discharge

-Are at least 65-years-old prior to Jan. 1 of the year filing

-Are partially disabled with a permanent service-connected disability. All or a portion of such disability must be combat related.

-Was a resident of Florida at the time of entering the military.

The Hernando County Active Military Combat Duty Grant Program grants up to $1,000 to families of qualifying active military personnel serving in combat duty who have established a homestead in Hernando County.

The grant essentially provides ad valorem tax reimbursement to help maintain and support families with an active duty soldier.

The following is required:

-A certified copy of combat duty orders and proof of combat service in any particular ad valorem year or years.

-Proof of address, homestead exemption, and proof of payment of taxes.

For more information, visit the Hernando County Property Appraiser Office on the Web at www.hernandocounty.us/pa, or call (352) 754-4190. The Hernando County Veterans Services is online at www.hernandocounty.us/veteran_services, or call (352) 754-4033.

[Last modified August 31, 2007, 20:41:53]