Bill > SB0196

This bill modifies the property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses by expanding and clarifying the existing law. The bill defines a "disabled veteran" as a veteran who is a Michigan resident and meets specific criteria, such as being rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs as permanently and totally disabled, receiving housing assistance due to disability, or being individually unemployable. The exemption applies to real property used and owned as a homestead by these veterans or their surviving spouses, who can continue to receive the exemption as long as they do not remarry. The bill allows the assessing officer to request additional information for exemption claims and provides detailed instructions for prorating the tax exemption if the property is not owned for the entire tax year. Importantly, the bill now clarifies that "ownership" can include tenant stockholders in cooperative housing corporations, broadening the potential eligibility for the exemption. The exemption, once granted for taxes levied on or after January 1, 2025, will remain in effect until rescinded by the individual or denied by the assessor, reducing the administrative burden of annual reapplication.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0196