Beyond property tax exemption for veterans with disabilities: What you can do to lower your taxes

Many state governments offer property tax exemptions to qualified veterans with disabilities. However, since the amount of coverage and rules for eligibility vary from one state to the next, you may still need some extra help. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can lower your property taxes in the event you have to pay them in full. Here are some tips for keeping your property taxes down:

Limit major projects

Property taxes vary by region, but are also dependent on the value of your home. The more value you put into a home, the higher the potential property taxes can be. One way to control a spike in property taxes is to limit major home improvement projects. Avoid non-essential home improvement projects like adding a swimming pool or remodeling an entire kitchen, as these things are known to increase overall property value.

However, this advice doesn't necessarily apply to all home improvement projects. For example, veterans with disabilities can receive special housing grants to finance home upgrades to accommodate a disability. While these changes can add value to the home, there is more opportunity to ease the financial burden. If you're not sure how a certain project will affect home value, you can consult a professional appraiser for more info.

Check your tax bill for inaccuracies

Conveniently, it's a simple process to obtain a copy of your property tax bill from local government offices. Carefully reviewing the bill can be an excellent way to save on your property taxes. Check for any mistakes or inaccuracies based on the size of your property and livable square footage.

It can also be helpful to research neighborhood home values to confirm how your taxes compare. Major discrepancies might be mistakes you can have resolved in your favor.

Get a second appraisal

A major part of your home's value is determined by the appraisal performed by a tax assessor. If after reviewing your bill you feel there are discrepancies to be addressed, it can be worth hiring an independent home appraiser. Compare the results to determine the most accurate value and potentially save thousands of dollars per year in property taxes.