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1. Is there an exemption for disabled veterans?

Beginning on or after January 1, 2011, the General Assembly hereby exempts from taxation the real property, including the joint real property of husband and wife, of any veteran who has been rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency pursuant to federal law to have a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability, and who occupies the real property as his principal place of residence.

The surviving spouse of a veteran eligible for the exemption set forth in this article shall also qualify for the exemption, so long as the death of the veteran occurs on or after January 1, 2011, and the surviving spouse does not remarry. The exemption applies without any restriction on the spouse's moving to a different principal place of residence.

In order to apply, the veteran must provide the following:

• The approved and original letter of disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Completed and signed Disabled Veteran application
• Copy of military photo identification
• Copy of proof of residency occupancy, such as a driver's license, utility bill or bank statement

Additional information

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2. Is there an age requirement for disabled citizens?

No. If a person who is permanently and totally disabled owns real estate, there is no minimum age requirement.

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3. What proof is needed to establish that a person is permanently and totally disabled?

Certification is required from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Railroad Retirement Board, or the Social Security Administration. If an applicant is not eligible for certification by any of these agencies, there must be sworn affidavits by two (2) medical doctors licensed to practice medicine in Virginia. One of these affidavits must be based on a physical exam.

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4. What is the Application Timeline?

The Norfolk Department of Human Services will accept applications postmarked between February 1st and June 1st. more...

5. What Are Some Examples Of Income?

Wages, Social Security, annuities, pensions, disability income, interest, dividends, business income, farm income, income from real property, and income from roomers or boarders.
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6. What Are Some Examples Of Assets?

Real Estate other than the residence, bank accounts, trusts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, and value of personal property such as automobiles. more..

7. What Is the Cap Amount? How Will It Impact Potential Benefits?

Available funding is determined annually. In the event the total amount of all approved tax relief applications exceeds this amount, each approved application could have a pro rata reduction as may be necessary to balance the total tax relief appropriation. Proration is applied to all tax deferrals. The calculation of relief provided will be made after the program ends.
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8. What Is the Difference Between Exemption And Deferral?

Exemption means exempt taxes will not be billed or owed later. Qualifying participants with income of $28,611 or less per year may receive a tax exemption of 100%, but only up to average assessed value of $203,386. If the assessed value exceeds the average, the homeowner may elect to be billed or defer any remaining taxes in the excess average value.

Deferral means taxes will be paid to the city upon the sale of the dwelling or from the estate of the decedent. more...

9. How Will This Affect My Mortgage Company?

Applicant is responsible to meet any requirements imposed as part of any Promissory note or Deed of Trust. It is the applicant's responsibility to confirm that any deferment granted will be recognized by the applicant's mortgage lender prior to submitting the application. Failure of a mortgage lender to recognize the City of Norfolk Tax Deferral program is a matter solely between the applicant and the mortgage lender.
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10. In Order To Apply Does The Real Estate Have To Be "Free And Clear"?

No. If there is a mortgage on the property, you are still eligible to apply.
Is the information I provide kept confidential? All information is strictly confidential and not open to public inspection.
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11. How do I obtain an application?

A new application must be filed each year. Beginning February 1st, choose from one of the following options to obtain an application:
- Download and print an application from the Department of Human Services website
- Request an application to be mailed to you by calling call 757-823-1130 or 757-664-6035
- Send a request by email to seniortaxrelief@norfolk.gov
- Pick up an application at one of the following Department of Human Services locations:

Park Place Multi-Service Center
606 W. 29th Street
Norfolk, VA 23508

Norfolk Workforce Development Center
201 E. Little Creek Road
Norfolk, VA 23505

Berkley Multi-Service Center
925 South Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23523

Department of Human Services
741 Monticello Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23510

Huntersville Multi-Service Center
830 Goff Street
Norfolk, VA 23504 more...

12. How do I submit my completed application?

You may submit a completed application between March 1st and June 1st in one of the following ways:
Fax to 757-664-7535
Hand deliver or drop off at Park Place Multi-Service Center, 606 W. 29th Street, Norfolk, VA 23508
Mail to: Workforce Development Center, Dept. of Human Services, 201 E. Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505 (must be postmarked by June 1st)