DISABLED VETERANS' PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION BILL SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

September 24, 2010 (Sacramento) --Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) announced that his AB 2314 has been signed by the Governor. A bipartisan measure overwhelmingly approved by the Legislature, this legislation makes it easier for disabled veterans to receive a special property tax exemption available to them by extending the time frame for filing a claim.

“AB 2314 provides a valuable benefit that will improve the quality of life for the disabled veterans in California who risked their lives defending our country, and I am glad to see this bipartisan measure signed into law,” said Assemblymember Block. “This new law eliminates burdensome and unnecessary red tape that has prevented veterans from accessing a property tax exemption on their home. In the spirit of AB 2314 and other efforts by the state, we must continue making it as easy as possible for veterans to connect with vital services and benefits when they are transitioning back to civilian life.”

Current law makes available a disabled veteran property tax exemption, retroactive to the date of disability, to persons with a 100% disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Unfortunately, it can take a number of years to receive a disability rating from the VA, and, once received, veterans have only 30 days to file for their exemption.

During tough economic times, the 30 day file deadline can cause undue hardship and does not provide sufficient time to file for the exemption. There are a variety of materials, in addition to various programs and benefits, disabled veterans and their families must review after receiving the disability rating and this process can be overwhelming.

Sponsored by the Board of Equalization, this legislation extends the filing period to 90 days affording disabled veterans enough time to file their property tax exemption claims and access this important benefit.

AB 2314 also eliminates references to having a pending application with the VA which may allow more disabled veterans to receive the exemption retroactively to the effective date of the disability. This is an unnecessary condition and counter to the intent to provide eligible disabled veterans the full amount of the exemption retroactively.