Updated January 2026
Utah Veteran Benefits 2026
Utah offers several benefits for veterans and military retirees. Here is a summary of the key tax and property benefits available in UT for 2026.
Utah Highlights
- Retirement tax credit available
- Property tax exemption for disabled veterans
- Free state park access for disabled veterans
- Utah Veterans Nursing Home
Income Tax Treatment
Utah has a state income tax.
Military Retirement Pay: Utah effectively fully exempts military retirement pay through a nonrefundable tax credit that offsets the entire tax on it, in place since 2021.
Active Duty Pay: Active duty pay is taxable by Utah.
VA Disability Compensation: VA disability compensation is tax-free at both the federal and state level in all 50 states. Utah does not tax VA disability payments.
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans in Utah
Type: Assessed-value exclusion
Utah's 'Veteran with a Disability' exemption (formerly Armed Forces / Disabled Veteran exemption) reduces the TAXABLE VALUE of the primary residence (or tangible personal property) by an amount equal to the maximum exemption multiplied by the veteran's service-connected disability percentage. The maximum exemption is inflation-indexed (CPI) annually. For the 2025 tax year the maximum is $535,459 of taxable value. A 100%-rated veteran gets the full $535,459 excluded; a 50%-rated veteran gets ~50% of that (~$267,730). Minimum 10% rating required.
| VA disability rating / category | What you get |
|---|---|
| 10% – 100% service-connected disability | Taxable value reduced by (2025 maximum $535,459) x (disability percentage). E.g., 100% = up to $535,459 excluded; 50% = ~$267,730; 10% = ~$53,546. No exemption below 10%.Primary residence (or qualifying tangible personal property held for personal use). Must file with the county (deadline varies by county; e.g., Sept 1/Sept 2 in some counties). Provide VA benefit letter showing percentage and effective date. |
| Below 10% | No exemptionStatute: 'No exemption is allowed for any disability below 10 percent.' |
- Income limit: None for the Veteran-with-a-Disability exemption (Utah's separate Circuit Breaker / indigent-abatement programs are income-tested, but those are different programs).
- Age requirement: None
- Surviving spouse: Unmarried surviving spouse OR minor orphans of a qualifying deceased veteran with a disability may claim the exemption.
- Counts being paid at 100% via unemployability (TDIU)? Yes — being paid at the 100% rate via Individual Unemployability (TDIU) qualifies
Source: Utah Code Ann. (UCA) 59-2-1903 and 59-2-1904; administered under UCA Title 59, Chapter 2, Part 19 (Tax Relief) and a second official source. Verified June 2026 against primary sources.
To apply, contact your county assessor's office or the Utah 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 Utah
Utah 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.