Q: How can a 100% Disabled Veteran in Arkansas obtain a property tax exemption on their homestead?
I am a 100% Disabled Veteran living in Arkansas, seeking a property tax exemption for my homestead as specified under Arkansas Code Title 26-3-306. Despite submitting all necessary paperwork to the county assessor over a year ago, I have not received any documentation granting my exemption nor any explanation for the delay. I consistently follow up with them every few months but continue to receive the runaround. What steps can I take next to resolve this issue and obtain my entitled tax exemption?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Given your continued difficulties with obtaining your property tax exemption, you have several escalation options to pursue. As a 100% service-connected disabled veteran, you're entitled to exemption from payment of all state taxes on your homestead and personal property under Arkansas Code Title 26-3-306 Justia Law. The law specifically requires you to furnish the county collector (not just the assessor) with a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying your 100% disability rating Pulaskicountytreasurer. Since you've already submitted this documentation to the assessor, your next step should be to formally contact the county collector's office directly with copies of all previously submitted paperwork.
If the county collector's office doesn't resolve the issue promptly, you should escalate your case through the formal appeal process. In Arkansas, property owners can appeal valuation decisions first to the County Board of Equalization and then, if necessary, to the County Court by filing a petition by the second Monday in October Savage & Browning. I recommend sending a certified letter to both the county assessor and collector documenting your previous submission attempts, including dates and copies of all documentation, and explicitly requesting written confirmation of your exemption status. Additionally, contact your local Veterans Service Officer through the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs who can advocate on your behalf with county officials.
As a final measure, you might consider reaching out to your state representative or senator, as they often have constituent services staff who can help navigate government bureaucracy. Keep in mind that the deadline to submit your Summary of Benefits letter is October 15th annually, and you must be occupying the home to qualify for the tax exemption Pulaskicountytreasurer. Document every communication with county officials moving forward, including names, dates, and summaries of conversations. This paper trail will be valuable if you need to pursue a formal appeal or seek assistance from elected officials or veterans' advocacy organizations who can help pressure the county to properly process your exemption.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
