Updated January 2026
Georgia Veteran Benefits 2026
Georgia offers several benefits for veterans and military retirees. Here is a summary of the key tax and property benefits available in GA for 2026.
Georgia Highlights
- Partial military retirement tax exemption
- Property tax exemption for disabled veterans
- Free hunting and fishing licenses
- State veterans homes and cemeteries
Income Tax Treatment
Georgia has a state income tax.
Military Retirement Pay: Beginning with the 2026 tax year, Georgia exempts up to $65,000 of military retirement income for retirees of any age; amounts above the cap remain taxable.
Active Duty Pay: Active duty pay earned outside Georgia is exempt.
VA Disability Compensation: VA disability compensation is tax-free at both the federal and state level in all 50 states. Georgia does not tax VA disability payments.
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans in Georgia
Type: Assessed-value exclusion
Georgia exempts up to $121,812 (for 2025) of a qualifying disabled veteran's homestead value from all state, county, municipal, and school ad valorem taxes; the cap is set annually by a federal index.
| VA disability rating / category | What you get |
|---|---|
| VA-rated 100% totally disabled | Exemption of homestead value up to $121,812 (2025 amount) from all ad valorem taxes (state, county, municipal, school).Honorable discharge; Georgia citizen/resident; must own and occupy the home as a residence/homestead. |
| Less than 100% but paid at the 100% rate due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) | Same up-to-$121,812 (2025) homestead exemption.TDIU qualifies. Same ownership/occupancy and discharge requirements. |
| Statutory VA award for specific losses (regardless of rating %) | Same up-to-$121,812 (2025) homestead exemption.Qualifies if entitled to a statutory VA award for loss/loss of use of one or both feet, one or both hands, sight in one or both eyes, or permanent impairment of both eyes (central visual acuity 20/200 or less in better eye with correction). |
- Income limit: None
- Age requirement: None
- Surviving spouse: Extends to the unremarried surviving spouse or minor children as long as they continue to occupy the home as a residence (homestead).
- Counts being paid at 100% via unemployability (TDIU)? Yes — being paid at the 100% rate via Individual Unemployability (TDIU) qualifies
Source: O.C.G.A. § 48-5-48 (Homestead exemption for disabled veterans); maximum tied to 38 U.S.C. § 2102 and a second official source. Verified June 2026 against primary sources.
To apply, contact your county assessor's office or the Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs. You will typically need your VA disability rating letter (and often your DD‑214) and proof that the home is your primary residence.
Real estate vs. personal property: this benefit applies to real-estate (home/homestead) property tax. Personal-property taxes — such as the annual tax some states levy on vehicles — are separate and generally still apply, even at a 100% rating, unless your state specifically exempts them.
VA Healthcare in Georgia
Georgia has approximately 4 VA medical centers along with community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) throughout the state. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can receive care at any VA facility nationwide.
To find the nearest VA facility, visit VA.gov Facility Locator.