Colorado Veteran Benefits (2026)
What Colorado offers veterans on top of federal VA benefits — property tax relief, state income-tax treatment of retirement pay, and education programs. Compiled from official state sources.
Property tax exemption
Veterans with a service-connected disability rated 100% and permanent by the VA — or with VA individual-unemployability status — qualify for an exemption of 50% of the first $200,000 of their primary residence's actual value. Gold Star spouses also qualify. Applications are filed with the county assessor.
Military retirement pay & state income tax
Colorado partially taxes military retirement pay. Retirees under 55 may subtract up to $15,000 of military retirement benefits; those 55-64 may subtract up to $20,000 and those 65 and older up to $24,000 under the state's general pension and annuity subtraction.
Education benefits
Colorado National Guard members can use the state Tuition Assistance/Waiver program at participating Colorado public colleges. Separately, the Dependent Tuition Assistance Program (DTAP) covers undergraduate tuition at Colorado public institutions for dependents of POW/MIA service members and of Colorado National Guard members permanently disabled or killed on state active duty.
Also worth knowing
Colorado resident veterans with a combined VA disability rating of 50% or higher, and Purple Heart recipients, qualify for the free lifetime Independence Pass giving unlimited entry to all Colorado state parks.
Where to apply & verify
- Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (Department of Military and Veterans Affairs) — the official state agency for these programs
- Verified veteran services in Colorado — directory of local organizations
- Colorado veteran resources & news
- VA disability pay dates 2026 · 2026 VA disability rates
Latest Colorado veteran news
Army activates its fourth multi-domain task force
Task & Purpose · Oct 10
The mountain as medicine, 40 years running
DAV · Aug 25
VA researcher wins top honor for rethinking Veteran rehabilitation
VA News · Jul 17
Air Force names 2 bases that could host nuclear ‘microreactors’
Task & Purpose · Apr 9
Other states
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About this information: Compiled July 2026 from official state sources and verified references. Benefit rules change through legislation — always confirm details with Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (Department of Military and Veterans Affairs) or a Veteran Service Officer before making decisions. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.