An estimated 612,622 veterans live in Virginia, making up 9.1% of the state’s population or the second-highest of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.
Virginia Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
Retirees 55 and older receive a $40,000 exemption in the 2025 tax year and beyond.
Active-Duty Income Tax
Up to $15,000 of basic pay may be exempted. For every $1 of income over $15,000, the maximum subtraction is reduced by $1. For example, a member whose basic pay is $16,000 may deduct only $14,000. Members are not eligible whose basic pay is $30,000 or more.
Virginia National Guard members may deduct up to 39 calendar days of service or $5,500 in pay (whichever is less) from their income when filing. This deduction is available only for O-6 and below.
Virginia Veteran Property Taxes
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are exempt from property taxes on their home.
The surviving spouse may also be eligible.
Virginia Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
Active-duty service members, National Guard members and veterans receive in-state tuition. Tuition grants are available for Guard members.
Military Dependent Education
In-state tuition continues for dependents of active-duty service members even if the active-duty member transfers or retires out of state.
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is for surviving spouses and children of service members who were KIA, MIA or POW, and of veterans who are 90% or greater service-connected disabled. Recipients may receive up to eight semesters of tuition-free education and a waiver of required fees at state institutions. Some also qualify for a stipend to help cover room, board, books and supplies.
Virginia Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
State preference: Veterans may receive a 5% addition to their test score for state employment. Disabled veterans may receive a 10% addition.
Transition assistance: The Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) offers service members and their spouses peer-to-peer support through the process of transitioning out of the military, including resume reviews, introduction to the labor market and connections with companies for employment.
Driving: Military personnel and veterans who have been separated for 12 months or less, with two or more years of military heavy truck/bus driving experience, must pass only the knowledge test for a commercial driver's license. The road skills test is waived.
Military Spouse Employment
Veterans' spouses may qualify for the same VTAP program as veterans.
Virginia Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Virginia's three veterans homes are in Richmond, Roanoke and Virginia Beach. Honorably discharged veterans who are residents of Virginia are eligible for admission. There may be a cost.
Homeless Veterans
No state benefits.
Adapted Housing
No state benefits.
Virginia Veteran Financial Assistance
No personal loan or grant programs.
Virginia Veteran Legal Assistance
Virginia's Office of the Attorney General provides clinics to assist veterans and their spouses with simple wills, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives, including notary services.
Virginia Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
Resident, service-connected, 100% disabled veterans receive a free lifetime license to hunt and freshwater fish and pay a small fee for trapping and saltwater fishing. Fees are reduced for veterans with a 70% or greater disability rating.
Active-duty members stationed in Virginia may buy hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Parks/Camping
Veterans with a 100% VA disability may receive free admission and parking at Virginia state parks, along with admission for anyone needed to assist them. The pass also covers boat launch and horse trailer parking and a 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters and equipment rental. Veterans do not need to be a Virginia resident to qualify.
Virginia Veteran Transportation Benefits
No state-funded transportation benefit. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers van rides to VA medical centers in many states and may be available in the states without a state-funded transportation benefit.
Virginia Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Virginia's three veterans cemeteries are in Amelia, Dublin and Suffolk. Honorably discharged veterans may be buried at no cost. There is a small cost for their eligible family members.
More Information
Visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website for more information on any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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