Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Veteran property tax elimination expanded under Probst bill OK’d by PA House committee

Veteran property tax elimination expanded under Probst bill OK’d by PA House committee

Rep. Tarah Probst    June 16, 2025 | 1:07 PM

HARRISBURG, June 16 – All veterans who are deemed at least 50% disabled, and their surviving spouses, would be exempt from property taxes under legislation approved unanimously today by the PA House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, according to the bill’s author, state Rep. Tarah Probst.

“Pennsylvania veterans who have been classified as disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs face significant financial challenges, yet many are denied property tax relief due to outdated eligibility restrictions. Currently, Pennsylvania’s Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption Program requires that a veteran must have served in combat to qualify, excluding those who sustained debilitating injuries in other capacities. Additionally, surviving spouses of veterans are not explicitly covered, leaving many families without the support they deserve,” said Probst, D-Monroe/Pike.

As amended by the committee, Probst’s legislation proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to exempt from property taxes all veterans deemed at least 50% disabled, regardless of whether their service was in combat. It also would guarantee benefits for surviving spouses of eligible veterans, including those who were killed in action, taken prisoner, or went missing in action. The bill also would provide greater flexibility for future adjustments by shifting certain program guidelines from the state Constitution into statute, allowing the General Assembly to respond more effectively to the evolving needs of Pennsylvania’s veterans.

“By removing unnecessary barriers and securing benefits for surviving spouses, we can provide needed financial relief to those who have already sacrificed so much. Our veterans and their families have given everything in service to our country — it’s our responsibility to support them. This is a vital step in expanding access to property tax relief and ensuring no eligible veteran or surviving spouse is left behind,” Probst said.

House Bill 1257 moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.