Tax season is upon us, which means for our nation’s veterans they will soon, or have already received a tax abatement letter. We spoke with Manitowoc County’s Veteran Service Officer Todd Brehmer, who explained what exactly it is.
He said “This is a letter that comes out every year from the federal VA, that goes to veterans, or their dependents that are receiving benefits…What the letter does is it tells the individual what the amount of benefit they’re receiving is, and what the benefit is.”
The date on the letter will always read as December of the previous year, regardless of when the individual actually began receiving the benefit. That date may confuse some, but Brehmer explained it is dated that way because “The cost of living increase is effective December of the previous year.”
The letter also advises that people should call their County’s Veteran Service Officer about a property tax credit. Brehmer explained that there are certain criteria that must be met for the veteran or surviving spouse must meet in order to receive that. Brehmer explained that “They need to be 100% service-connected veteran or paid with or are being paid with individual unemployability as a 100% service-connected veteran, or the surviving spouse of a 100% service-connected veteran.”
If you have any questions about the letter, or about any other veteran benefits, either call Todd at 920-683-4055 or stop into his office at 1701 Michigan Avenue in Manitowoc.
