Texas Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Form 50-135): 2025 Guide
By Harsha N Hegde
Updated October 2025 — reflects latest Texas Comptroller guidance and veteran exemption limits.
Like in most states, Texas provides significant property tax relief to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The exemption amount depends on your VA-certified disability rating. These exemptions are authorized under Texas Tax Code §11.131, 11.132, 11.133, 11.22, and 11.23(a), and are administered by your County Appraisal District.
Not service-disabled? If you’re a veteran without a VA disability rating, you can still claim valuable property tax exemptions in Texas. See our complete guide: Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Disabled Veterans.
Who Qualifies for the Disabled Veteran Exemption
You may qualify if you are:
- A veteran with at least 10% service-connected disability as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- The surviving spouse or child of a deceased disabled veteran.
- The surviving spouse of a service member killed in action.
- A charitable organization that donates a residence homestead to a disabled veteran or surviving spouse.
A veteran aged 65 or older can also apply for the Over-65 Exemption, in addition to the partial veteran exemption.
Exemption Amounts by Disability Rating (Form 50-135)
The Disabled Veteran Exemption applies to any property you own, not just your homestead.
Below are the 2025 exemption amounts:
| Disability Rating | Exemption from Property’s Value | Form | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–29% | $5,000 | 50-135 | Disabled Veteran |
| 30–49% | $7,500 | 50-135 | Disabled Veteran |
| 50–69% | $10,000 | 50-135 | Disabled Veteran |
| 70–100% | $12,000 | 50-135 | Disabled Veteran |
| 100% or Unemployable | Full exemption (Homestead only) | 50-114 | Residence Homestead |
Veterans with a 100% disability rating or individual unemployability qualify for a total property tax exemption on their residence homestead.
100% Disabled Veterans: Full Homestead Exemption
Veterans who receive 100% disability compensation or are individually unemployable are entitled to a complete exemption on their residence homestead.
The exemption also extends to:
- The surviving spouse of a qualifying 100% disabled veteran (if not remarried).
- The surviving spouse of a service member killed in action.
If a surviving spouse moves, they can transfer the same dollar amount of the exemption to a new residence homestead.
Exemption for Donated Homes
If a charitable organization donates a residence to a disabled veteran at no cost or not more than 50% of its market value, the veteran qualifies for a partial or full exemption, depending on disability rating.
This benefit also extends to the surviving spouse if not remarried.
Co-Owned and Non-Primary Residences
If a property is co-owned by a qualifying veteran, only the veteran’s share is exempt.
A disabled veteran may also apply the partial exemption to non-homestead properties in proportion to their disability rating.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Download Form 50-135 – Application for Disabled Veteran’s or Survivor’s Exemptions (PDF).
- Attach your VA disability letter specifying your service-connected disability rating.
- Include a copy of your photo ID showing the homestead address.
- Submit the completed application to your County Appraisal District (CAD).
- If approved, the exemption will apply from the date you qualified during the tax year.
🗓️ Deadline: January 1 – April 30 each year. You may still file up to one year after the delinquency date.
Late Qualification or Surviving Spouse Applications
If you qualify after January 1, you can still receive the exemption for the remainder of that year.
A surviving spouse can apply within two years of the delinquency date and remain eligible as long as they don’t remarry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Texas disabled veteran property tax exemption?
Veterans with a 10% or higher service-connected disability rating, surviving spouses, and children of deceased veterans.
How much is the exemption for 100% disabled veterans?
Veterans with a 100% disability rating or individual unemployability receive a full exemption on their residence homestead.
What is Form 50-135?
It’s the Texas Comptroller’s official form to apply for Disabled Veteran and Survivor Exemptions.
Can surviving spouses apply?
Yes. Surviving spouses of disabled veterans or service members killed in action can apply if they haven’t remarried.
What’s the deadline to apply in 2025?
Applications are accepted January 1 – April 30, 2025, and up to one year past the delinquency date.
About the Author
Harsha N Hegde is the founder of squaredeal.tax, a DIY platform that helps Texas homeowners protest unfair property tax assessments. He has helped thousands of Texas homeowners save money using comps-based evidence and practical guidance.
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