CalVet Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Basic & Low-Income)

California Department of Veterans Affairs / Santa Clara County Assessor

Available Home Repair

About This Program

CalVet Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Basic & Low-Income) is available to homeowners in San Jose, CA.

California offers multiple veteran property tax exemptions through CalVet and the county assessor. The basic veteran exemption applies to veterans who served in wartime and can reduce assessed value by approximately $4,000. Disabled veterans with 100% service-connected ratings qualify for the much larger Disabled Veterans' Exemption (separate entry). All veterans should contact the Santa Clara County Assessor to review all available exemptions.

Annual tax savings on basic veteran exemption at county rate

Official program page checked live on 2026-06-22.

Data last verified 2026-04-03. How we verify our data.

This is a national program. In San Jose, CA, you can stack it with local programs like these:

Key Details

  • Basic exemption for wartime veterans, ~$4,000 assessed value reduction
  • Separate, larger exemption for 100% disabled veterans
  • File with Santa Clara County Assessor
  • Annual deadline February 15 for income-sensitive tiers
  • Contact CalVet at 1-866-653-2510 or county at 408-299-6460

How to Apply

Get free help applying Visit Official Program Page Track this program

408-299-6460

A grant-savvy contractor in San Jose, CA can handle the paperwork, inspections, and timelines so your funding releases on schedule. Getting matched is free.

You will likely need a contractor to apply

Projects like this almost always need a licensed contractor, and many grants ask for a written estimate as part of your application. Lining up a contractor in San Jose early keeps your application moving.

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Each program sets its own contractor rules. Check the official program page for exact requirements.

Your application paperwork

Documents you will likely need

  • Your federal tax return for the year of the work (this benefit is claimed on your taxes, not through a separate application).
  • Proof you own and live in the home (deed, recent mortgage statement, or property tax bill).
  • A government-issued photo ID for every owner on title.
  • Proof of military service (DD-214) and, for disability-based grants, your VA disability rating letter.
  • A written estimate from a licensed contractor for the work (many programs require this to apply).
  • The program's own application form, completed (use the official link or phone number on this page).
Download this checklist (PDF)

Requirements vary by program and locality. Confirm the exact rules on the official program page. We can help you prepare your paperwork, but you submit it yourself.

Deadline: File with county assessor, February 15 annual deadline for low-income tier

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Frequently asked questions

How much can CalVet Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Basic & Low-Income) provide in San Jose, CA?

Basic: ~$70-$80/year savings; low-income tier (disabled vet): up to ~$3,388/year savings.

Who qualifies for CalVet Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Basic & Low-Income) in San Jose?

CalVet Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Basic & Low-Income) is open to homeowners in San Jose, CA. It has no income limit. It serves veterans and military families.

How do I apply for CalVet Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Basic & Low-Income) in San Jose, CA?

Apply directly with California Department of Veterans Affairs / Santa Clara County Assessor using the official program link on this page or call 408-299-6460. There is no middleman and no fee. Deadline: File with county assessor, February 15 annual deadline for low-income tier.

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