At the 35th United Veterans Committee Awards Banquet in April, Gov. Bill Ritter signed House Bill 1251, a property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans that will take effect in 2007. Qualified disabled veterans will be entitled to a property tax exemption on 50 percent of their property value, with a maximum exemption of $100,000 for their primary residence. The exemption will be reflected in the 2008 tax bills.Veterans who qualify must have a permanent and total disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a result of a service-connected disability. The veterans must have owned and occupied their property as their primary residence since Jan. 1, 2007.The application deadline is July 1. Visit the Department of Local Affairs Web site at www.dola.colorado.gov/dpt/forms/index.htm for more information.Although qualifying vets must apply through the Department of Local Affairs, detailed information also is available at the El Paso County assessor’s office: 520-6600.
