Dispelling the Myths: What the Full Property Tax Exemption is—and Isn't

At Colorado Veterans Action, we're working tirelessly to ensure our 100% disabled veterans and their families receive a full property tax exemption on their homes. This isn't just about financial relief; it's about honoring their immense sacrifice and ensuring they can live with dignity and security in the state they helped protect.

As with any important initiative, there can be misconceptions. Let's clear the air and dispel some common myths about what a full property tax exemption for our most severely wounded veterans truly means.

Myth #1: "A full property tax exemption is too expensive and will significantly hurt Colorado's budget."

Truth: This is perhaps the most common concern, but it’s based on a misunderstanding of who qualifies. The full property tax exemption would apply only to 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses and gold star families. This is a very specific, carefully defined group. While every dollar counts, the actual fiscal impact is a necessary and justified investment in those who have given everything for our freedoms. We're talking about a targeted benefit for our most severely injured heroes, not a broad handout. It’s a small fraction of the state budget to ensure these heroes can truly thrive.

Myth #2: "The current property tax exemption for veterans is good enough."

Truth: The current law provides a 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of a home's value for qualifying veterans. While this was a step in the right direction when it was enacted, it’s severely outdated. Consider this: when the law was put in place, the average home price in Colorado was significantly lower than it is today. With soaring housing costs across our state, an exemption on just the first $200,000 leaves our 100% disabled veterans still shouldering a substantial tax burden on the majority of their home's value. They deserve 100% relief for 100% disability.

Myth #3: "This exemption primarily benefits wealthy veterans with expensive homes."

Truth: The full property tax exemption would apply to a veteran's primary residence, regardless of its market value. The purpose is to alleviate the financial strain of homeownership for those whose disabilities often prevent them from working or limit their income-earning potential. A veteran living in a modest home faces the same disproportionate burden from property taxes as one in a more expensive home, relative to their often-fixed incomes. This initiative is designed to provide genuine financial relief to all qualifying 100% disabled veterans, ensuring they can stay in their homes without the added stress of crushing property taxes.

Myth #4: "It's just another perk for veterans that citizens shouldn't have to pay for."

Truth: This isn't a "perk"; it's a recognition of profound sacrifice. Our 100% disabled veterans have sustained life-altering injuries and conditions in service to our country. These disabilities often come with ongoing medical needs, reduced earning capacity, and immense daily challenges for them and their families. Providing a full property tax exemption is a fundamental way for our state to acknowledge their service and support their well-being, allowing them to live with the stability and peace of mind they’ve earned. It’s an investment in the people who protected our freedoms.

At Colorado Veterans Action, our mission is clear: to get a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans and their families on the 2026 ballot. This is about rectifying an outdated law and ensuring that Colorado truly honors its heroes.

Want to learn more or get involved?

Visit our website at ColoradoVeteransAction.com to sign up for updates, volunteer, or donate. Your support helps us dispel these myths and make a real difference for those who sacrificed so much.