Applying for Disabled Veterans Exemption

Qualifying disabled veterans are eligible for an exemption from paying real property taxes on their principal residence. 

Eligibility

• Must have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States.
• Must be a Michigan resident.
• Meets on the following criteria:

1. Determined by the United States Veteran's Affairs (VA) to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military services and entitled to veteran's benefits at the 100% rate. 
2. Has a certificate from the VA, or its successors, certifying that he or she is receiving or has received pecuniary assistance due to disability for specially adapted housing
3. Has been rated by the VA as individually unemployable

• Must have some form of documentation from the VA.
• The unremarried surviving spouse of the disabled veteran is eligible for the exemption based upon the eligible of their spouse.

Application Process

• Submit the Disabled Veterans Exemption to the local city assessors office, along with supporting documents from the VA.
• The exemption for taxes levied on or after January 1, 2025, remains in effect, without subsequent reapplication, until it is rescinded by the individual who was granted the exemption or until it is denied by the assessor. A disabled veteran must still file for the exemption for 2024 and file again in 2025.
• The exemption is prorated, both in the year of purchase by the disabled veteran and the year of sale by the disabled veteran. 

Further Reading

The Michigan Department of Treasury has further information on the exemption, including FAQs, and full text of the law. 

Applying for Hardship Exemption

Public Act 206 of the State of Michigan provides an exemption from taxation for primary residence of individuals in poverty. The Board of Review grants the hardship exemption if the applicant meets specific criteria.  The Board of Review follows the Poverty Exemption Guidelines and the Poverty Eligibility Requirements adopted by the City Commission in making a determination. This criteria includes asset and income thresholds in addition to medical or extraordinary hardship situations.

Application Process

• The Hardship Exemption Application and Affirmation of Ownership and Occupancy Form is required to be filed with the Board of Review.
• The exemption must be filed annually. 
• The exemption can be granted at the March, July or December Boards of Review.