Governor Signs Bateman Bill Expanding Veterans’ Property Tax Relief

Legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman to expand property tax relief benefits to all veterans who were honorably discharged and to those with a service-connected disability has been signed into law.

“Everyone who has worn our country’s uniform should be respected and recognized for their service to our nation,” said Bateman (R-16). “Those who sacrificed so much to defend the freedoms we hold dear deserve our support. Expanding New Jersey’s property tax deduction to our Garden State veterans who honorably served is our small way of saying ‘thank you for your service.’”

The new law sponsored by Bateman, S-2599, allows for honorably discharged military veterans who did not serve during a time of war or other emergency to become eligible for the $250 property tax deduction.

Under the legislation, veterans with a service-connected disability would also become eligible for a property tax exemption granted by law.

This expansion of benefits would not go into effect until voters approve its authorizing resolution, SCR-187, as a constitutional amendment on the ballot.

Currently, the property tax benefits are limited to honorably discharged military veterans who served during a time of war or other emergency.

New Jersey has more than 400,000 veterans, roughly five percent of NJ’s population. According to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, 180,000 veterans and their widows currently receive the annual $250 tax break, and about 10,000 disabled veterans receive the property tax exemption.