Disabled veteran property-tax exemptions in Bell County

Texas gives disabled veterans a property-tax break, and which one you get depends on your VA disability rating. Veterans with a rating between 10 and 100 percent qualify for a partial exemption that takes a set dollar amount off the taxable value of one property. A veteran rated 100 percent disabled, or considered unemployable by the VA, can apply for a total exemption on the value of their residence homestead. Surviving spouses may qualify to keep certain benefits, too.

Because Bell County sits next to Fort Hood and has one of the highest shares of veteran residents in the state, this is one of the most-used exemptions at the appraisal district. Bell CAD posts the disabled veteran's or survivor's exemption form alongside the regular residence homestead form. They are not the same application, and the partial and total versions have different paperwork, so it is worth confirming which one fits before you file.

You will generally need your VA award letter showing your rating. File with the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County, and check the current forms and proof requirements at bellcad.org, since a change in your rating can change what you qualify for.