The Wisconsin Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit provides a refundable property tax credit for eligible veterans and unremarried surviving spouses. This credit applies to property taxes paid on a primary Wisconsin residence and up to one acre of land.
To be eligible, you must be:
- A veteran who:
- Served on active duty under honorable conditions in the U.S. armed forces or in forces incorporated in the U.S. armed forces.
- Entered active duty as a Wisconsin resident or has been a Wisconsin resident for at least five consecutive years after entering active duty.
- Has a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA or qualifies based on individual unemployability.
Is currently a resident of and living in Wisconsin at time of making application.
- An unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who (all of the following must be met):
- Served on active duty under honorable conditions in the U.S. armed forces or in forces incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces
- Was a resident of Wisconsin at time of entry into active service or was a resident of Wisconsin for any five consecutive-year period after entry into active service
- Had a 100% service-connected disability rating under 38 USC 1114 or 1134 or a 100% disability rating based on Individual Unemployability
The veteran must have been a Wisconsin resident at the time of death for their spouse to qualify.
- Or an unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who (all of the following must be met):
- Served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or in forces incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces, served in the National Guard, or served in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces;
- Was a resident of Wisconsin at time of entry into service or was a resident of Wisconsin for any five consecutive-year period after entry into service;
- Died while on active duty or in the line of duty for active or inactive duty for training purposes;
- Died while a resident of Wisconsin.
- Or an unremarried surviving spouse who began and continues to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and whose veteran spouse (all of the following must be met):
- Served on active duty under honorable conditions in the U.S. armed forces or in forces incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces;
- Was a resident of Wisconsin at time of entry into active service or was a resident of Wisconsin for any five consecutive-year period after entry into active service;
- Died while a resident of Wisconsin.
How the credit works:
- The credit covers 100% of property taxes paid on a primary residence (including land up to one acre).
- Taxes must be paid during the tax year you are claiming the credit.
- The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs certifies eligibility; the Department of Revenue administers the credit through the state income tax return.
Key Rules:
- Joint Ownership: If a property is jointly owned, only your percentage of ownership can be claimed.
- Dual Veteran Households: Married veterans can file jointly or separately, dividing the credit accordingly.
- Farm & Business Use: Only the portion of property taxes related to the personal residence qualifies.
- Rental Agreements: If you pay property taxes as part of your rent, you may qualify but must provide proof.
- Vacation Homes: The credit cannot be applied to second homes or vacation properties.
- Trusts & Life Estates: Veterans with a life estate or revocable trust in the property may still qualify.
How to Apply:
If you believe you qualify, contact your County or Tribal Veterans Service Office (CVSO/TVSO) for certification.
For more information or additional questions, visit the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Credit Fact Sheet.
For additional information, eligibility criteria, instructions on how to apply for the Wisconsin Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit, and statutory citations for the program, click the following link:
WDVA B0106 Wisconsin Property Tax Credit information and application booklet.
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