This bill amends existing law to make the total property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans retroactive to the effective date of their total disability determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. It stipulates that the exemption applies to the veteran's dwelling house and lot, and it is in addition to any other exemptions allowed by law. The bill also extends the same exemption to the surviving spouses of eligible veterans, allowing them to claim the exemption during their widowhood or widowerhood, provided they occupy the dwelling house.

Additionally, the bill mandates that municipalities must return all taxes collected on properties that would have been exempt had a proper claim been made, starting from the effective date of the total disability determination. The State is required to reimburse municipalities for the amount of property taxes returned to the veterans, ensuring that they receive the full benefit of the exemption retroactively. This legislation aims to provide financial relief to disabled veterans and their families by ensuring they are not burdened by property taxes due to their service-connected disabilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 54:4-3.30, 54:4-3.31, 54:4-3.32