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DMVA to issue guidance after courts constrain county apportionment of veterans tax exemptions
Summary
DMVA told the committee the Vanderheff (2008) Commonwealth Court decision limits counties' ability to apportion veterans tax exemptions; the department plans a standard administration guide to reduce county-by-county variation and help county assessment offices apply the new regulations.
Committee members pressed DMVA about inconsistent county interpretations of who qualifies for the disabled veterans real estate tax exemption—especially in cases where property is held in trust or a veteran rents rooms in a multi-unit property. Jeff King said the Commonwealth Court Vanderheff decision (2008) constrained county authority to limit exemptions and that the State Veterans Commission retains authority over the need test.
King said DMVA will issue overarching policy guidance and a standard administration guide for county veterans affairs and county assessment offices to accompany the regulation so county officials have practical steps for adjudicating claims. He said DMVA already engages county assessment offices directly and will continue to take calls and provide clarifications to reduce disparate treatment across 67 counties.
