Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) (Massachusetts) — Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Who qualifies for Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Full property tax exemption for surviving spouse of veteran who died from service-connected cause. Available to qualifying family members (spouse, survivor) through their sponsoring Massachusetts veteran. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify.

Question 2

How much is Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) worth in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) is valued at Full property tax exemption. Amounts reflect 2026 Massachusetts state rates and may be adjusted by the state legislature; verify current values with the relevant Massachusetts state agency or the official application URL on this page before applying.

Question 3

How do I apply for Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death)?

Accepted Answer

Apply through the official Massachusetts agency at mass.gov (linked from this page). Required documentation typically includes: (1) DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, (2) proof of Massachusetts residency. For free help with the application, contact your county Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

Question 4

How does Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) affect my Massachusetts state taxes?

Accepted Answer

Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) reduces your Massachusetts property tax liability. The savings depend on your local mill rate, assessed home value, and any other exemptions that apply. Federal taxes are unaffected — this is a state-level benefit only. Consult a Massachusetts tax professional for personalized impact analysis.

Question 5

Does Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) stack with federal VA benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) is a Massachusetts state benefit administered separately from federal VA benefits. Massachusetts veterans can receive federal VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, GI Bill education benefits, AND any Massachusetts state programs they qualify for simultaneously. Some specific overlaps (e.g., state tuition assistance) may require exhausting federal benefits first; check the eligibility section above.

Question 6

Is there a deadline or annual renewal for Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death)?

Accepted Answer

Most Massachusetts tax-related veteran benefits require annual filing. Some programs once approved continue automatically until eligibility changes (e.g., moving out of Massachusetts, change in disability rating, or death of the veteran). Verify renewal requirements with the issuing Massachusetts agency.

Question 7

Is Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) a federal or state benefit?

Accepted Answer

Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death) is a Massachusetts state-level benefit, administered by Massachusetts's state Department of Veterans Affairs (or partner state agency depending on benefit type). It is funded by Massachusetts state taxpayers and is in addition to — not instead of — any federal VA benefits a veteran qualifies for. Eligibility requires Massachusetts residency.

Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death)

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