Updated January 2026
Missouri Veteran Benefits 2026
Missouri offers several benefits for veterans and military retirees. Here is a summary of the key tax and property benefits available in MO for 2026.
Missouri Highlights
- Full military retirement pay tax exemption
- Full property tax exemption for 100% P&T
- Missouri Veterans Commission programs
- Free hunting and fishing permits for disabled veterans
Income Tax Treatment
Missouri has a state income tax.
Military Retirement Pay: Missouri fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax.
Active Duty Pay: Active duty pay earned in a combat zone is exempt.
VA Disability Compensation: VA disability compensation is tax-free at both the federal and state level in all 50 states. Missouri does not tax VA disability payments.
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans in Missouri
Type: Income-tax credit (refund)
Missouri has NO general property-tax exemption for ordinary 100% disabled veterans. There are two narrow benefits: (1) a constitutional FULL homestead property-tax exemption ONLY for former Prisoners of War who ALSO have a total service-connected disability (Mo. Const. Art. X, sec. 6); and (2) the income-tested Missouri Property Tax Credit ('circuit breaker', MO-PTS), where a veteran who became 100% service-connected disabled can claim up to $1,100 on owned real estate, subject to strict income limits. A 2025 bill (HB700) to create a graduated disability-rating exemption DIED and did not become law.
| VA disability rating / category | What you get |
|---|---|
| Former POW + total service-connected disability | Full exemption from property tax on the homesteadMust be BOTH a former Prisoner of War AND have a 100% total service-connected disability; Missouri citizen; own and occupy as primary residence. POW status is mandatory — a 100% disabled non-POW does NOT qualify for this exemption. |
| 100% service-connected disabled (non-POW) | Property Tax Credit (refund) up to $1,100 (owners) / $750 (renters) — NOT an exemptionIncome-limited: total household income at or below $30,000 single / $34,000 married filing combined (2025 figures). Favorable rule: a 100% service-connected disabled veteran does NOT count VA disability payments/benefits as household income. Claimed via Form MO-PTS with MO-1040. |
- Income limit: Yes, for the Property Tax Credit: $30,000 (single) / $34,000 (married filing combined) household income (2025). The constitutional POW exemption has NO income limit.
- Age requirement: None for the disabled-veteran credit/POW exemption (the general MO-PTC also serves seniors 65+ and the disabled, but the veteran path keys on disability, not age).
- Surviving spouse: POW constitutional exemption: confirm survivor continuation with the county assessor. Property Tax Credit: spouse may claim if the claimant or spouse meets the disabled-veteran criteria.
- Counts being paid at 100% via unemployability (TDIU)? Varies / not explicitly addressed — confirm with the assessor or state VA
Source: Mo. Const. Art. X, sec. 6 (POW exemption); RSMo 135.010-135.035 (Property Tax Credit / MO-PTS) and a second official source. Verified June 2026 against primary sources.
To apply, contact your county assessor's office or the Missouri 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 Missouri
Missouri has approximately 2 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.