VA Backs Property Tax Relief For Military Spouses

Updated, 11:55 p.m. Tuesday

VIRGINIA — Virginians on Tuesday voted to pass a constitutional amendment that will expand property tax relief for surviving spouses of veterans.

Voters were asked to decide whether the state should amend Article X of Virginia's Constitution to expand a property tax exemption to all surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty.

As of 11:55 p.m., 93 percent of Virginia voters had voted in favor of the amendment with 131 of 133 precincts reporting.

Results in the election remain unofficial until certified.

Before the election, the state Constitution allowed property tax exemptions for the primary residence of surviving spouses of veterans killed in action.

"Right now, if a service member is killed in action, the surviving spouse receives a property tax exemption. But if a service member dies in the line of duty — such as a training exercise or a helicopter crash — the surviving spouse doesn’t receive the same tax benefit," said Del. Phil Hernandez, who introduced the measure in the General Assembly. "The amendment on the ballot fixes this loophole and treats our military families fairly."

While the amendment was broadly supported in the General Assembly, its passage could mean less tax revenue for cities and local schools.

"State-mandated tax relief programs should rely upon state dollars and not local revenues to implement," said Joe Flores, director of fiscal policy at the Virginia Municipal League.

While VML has no position on the constitutional amendment, Flores said the group would "continue to remind state lawmakers that this change will expand an existing property tax exemption that is estimated to cost localities more than $227 million in foregone revenues in 2024, an increase of 21 percent compared to the prior year."

Learn more about the proposed amendment on the Virginia Department of Elections website.