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Texas Surviving Spouse of Veteran Killed in the Line of Duty Exemption

In Texas, disabled veterans can see certain exemptions passed on to their spouses. However, active duty service members who are killed in the line of duty can pass on a property tax exemption as well. The surviving spouses of a service member killed or fatally wounded in the line of duty can receive a 100% exemption for the appraised value of their homestead property. To qualify as a homestead property, the service member had to have owned the property at the time of their death and used it as a primary residence. For the surviving spouse to claim the exemption, they must maintain the home as a primary residence and not remarry.

Important details about the exemption

01

The exemption’s value is determined by the appraised value of the service member’s homestead at the time of their death.

02

The exemption can transfer to new homesteads as long as the surviving spouse does not remarry.

03

To qualify, the spouse must be able to present documentation, such as the death certificate, marriage certificate, and military records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About the Texas Surviving Spouse of Veteran Killed in the Line of Duty Exemption

No, unlike the exemption for disabled veterans, this exemption is for surviving spouses of all veterans killed in the line of duty, without taking disability into account.

Not this exemption, but a new one was added to the law specifically for situations like this in 2025 and will become effective for the 2026 tax year.

Yes, as long as you have not remarried. The exemption will be for the appriased value of the original homestead, so it may not be a 100% exemption after the move.