I am writing to you today in support of H.B 2404 sponsored by Delegate Scott regarding the Disable Veterans’ tax exemption. This exemption has been a blessing to the disabled Veterans in Virginia and my family is especially grateful for the security it provides.
In March 2024, I submitted paperwork to Spotsylvania county for a pre-approval letter to qualify for the exemption on a residential neighborhood property I was in the process of purchasing. I received a favorable decision regarding the tax exemption with the exception of an annual tax amount estimate of $31.27. The letter stated the paved driveway was not covered in the exemption, (was valued at $4000) which resulted in the $31.27 tax. The residential property is only .58 acres, and the driveway is entirely within the lot lines of the property. The letter stated the exemption is for the dwelling and up to one acre of land. The driveway was identified as an “improvement” not covered under the exemption.
While the tax is a small amount compared to the amount exempted, I find the county’s decision to tax a paved driveway at a disabled Veteran’s home a bit perplexing. The driveway is typical of a residential neighborhood driveway from the street to the home’s attached garage. The driveway allows for 2 cars parked side-by-side outside of the 2-car garage if necessary. If the driveway was not paved, then the disabled Veteran would need to walk on grass, gravel, dirt, or some other uneven material to get to the sidewalk along the street. Is this truly in the spirit of the tax exemption the Legislature passed? I engaged with Delegate Scott’s office and he and his team have been supportive of this endeavor. The attention and support of the subcommittee is greatly appreciated.
V/r,
Patrick R. Allen, USAF (Ret.)
I am writing to you today in support of H.B 2404 sponsored by Delegate Scott regarding the Disable Veterans’ tax exemption. This exemption has been a blessing to the disabled Veterans in Virginia and my family is especially grateful for the security it provides. In March 2024, I submitted paperwork to Spotsylvania county for a pre-approval letter to qualify for the exemption on a residential neighborhood property I was in the process of purchasing. I received a favorable decision regarding the tax exemption with the exception of an annual tax amount estimate of $31.27. The letter stated the paved driveway was not covered in the exemption, (was valued at $4000) which resulted in the $31.27 tax. The residential property is only .58 acres, and the driveway is entirely within the lot lines of the property. The letter stated the exemption is for the dwelling and up to one acre of land. The driveway was identified as an “improvement” not covered under the exemption. While the tax is a small amount compared to the amount exempted, I find the county’s decision to tax a paved driveway at a disabled Veteran’s home a bit perplexing. The driveway is typical of a residential neighborhood driveway from the street to the home’s attached garage. The driveway allows for 2 cars parked side-by-side outside of the 2-car garage if necessary. If the driveway was not paved, then the disabled Veteran would need to walk on grass, gravel, dirt, or some other uneven material to get to the sidewalk along the street. Is this truly in the spirit of the tax exemption the Legislature passed? I engaged with Delegate Scott’s office and he and his team have been supportive of this endeavor. The attention and support of the subcommittee is greatly appreciated. V/r, Patrick R. Allen, USAF (Ret.)