Exempts Surviving Spouses' Homes From Property Tax
Virginia · HB175 · Introduced Jan 6, 2026
Why it matters
Qualifying surviving spouses would pay no local property tax on their main home, up to the limits in the bill. Localities could expand the exemption further.
What it does
- Exempts the home of a surviving spouse whose service member died in the line of duty
- Covers deaths with a Defense Department Line of Duty determination, including suicide
- Ends the exemption if the surviving spouse remarries
- Lets localities exempt homes of any value in single-family zones starting in 2026
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would exempt the main home of certain surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty from property tax. Remarriage ends the exemption.
Real property; tax exemption, surviving spouses of members of Armed Forces who died in line of duty.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Military family groups would likely say this honors fallen service members' families. It eases the tax burden on widowed spouses.
💬 The case against
Some local governments would likely say the exemption cuts tax revenue they rely on. They may also worry about the cost of expanded local exemptions.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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