Tennessee Veteran Benefits

Tennessee offers a comprehensive range of benefits tailored to service members, Veterans, and their families. These benefits include Veteran employment preference, property tax relief, motor vehicle tax exemptions, unique license plates, burial services, hunting and fishing licenses, and State Park privileges. Eligibility criteria may vary based on residency, military service, and disability status. These benefits may change over time. Please check with the individual state's veterans assistance office for the most current state benefit information. Here's an overview of the benefits available in the state:

Tennessee Veteran Financial Benefits

  • Tennessee Income Taxes: Tennessee residents are exempt from filing individual state income tax returns as the state does not impose a general income tax. Additionally, distributions from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are not subjected to taxation.

  • Property Tax Benefits for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses: Disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for property tax rebates or exemptions on a portion of their property's value, provided it is their primary residence. Eligibility criteria include military service, disability ratings, and property ownership details.

  • Tax-Free Motor Vehicle Sales for Service Members: Certain U.S. Armed Forces service members stationed in Tennessee are exempt from sales and use taxes when purchasing motor vehicles. Eligibility depends on active duty status and specific military assignments.

  • Motor Vehicle Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disabilities, as well as former prisoners-of-war receiving special vehicle grants, are exempt from Tennessee motor vehicle taxes, registration fees, and local privilege taxes.

  • Sales Tax Rates: Tennessee imposes a statewide sales tax of 7.0%, with counties authorized to levy additional taxes up to 2.50%. The average sales tax rate, including local taxes, currently stands at 9.55%.

Recreation Benefits

  • Hunting and Fishing License Exemptions: Service members on leave are not required to purchase hunting or fishing licenses. Nonresident service members and their dependents stationed in Tennessee may obtain licenses at resident rates.

  • State Park Benefits: Tennessee State Parks offer various discounts for Veterans, including reduced camping fees during the off-season and complimentary access on Veterans Day. Special discounts are available for Tennessee resident Veterans with 100% total service-connected disabilities.

Education Programs

  • Tennessee STRONG Act Tuition Assistance Program: Tennessee National Guard service members are eligible for tuition reimbursement for undergraduate, graduate, certificate, or vocational programs, subject to certain conditions

  • Early Registration and Education Grants: Tennessee resident Veterans receive early registration privileges at public institutions of higher education. The Helping Heroes Education Grant provides financial assistance to eligible Veterans pursuing postsecondary education.

  • Interstate Compact for Military Children: This compact aims to minimize educational barriers for children of military families, ensuring continuity in education despite frequent relocations.

  • Purple Star School Award: Recognizes schools committed to supporting students from military families, offering resources and services tailored to their needs.

Housing and Employment

  • Veterans' Homes: Tennessee operates several state Veterans' homes providing long-term care and rehabilitation services to eligible Veterans and their family members.

  • Veterans Hiring Preferences: State and federal employment agencies offer hiring preferences to Veterans and their spouses, ensuring priority consideration for job opportunities.

Burials and Memorials

  • National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Benefits: Eligible Veterans and their families receive burial benefits, including gravesites, headstones or markers, burial flags, and perpetual care, at no cost. Spouses and dependents may also qualify for burial alongside the Veteran.

VA Benefit Resources in Tennessee

  • Tennessee hosts a Regional Benefits Office and several VA Medical Centers, providing assistance and healthcare services to Veterans. Initial applications for VA benefits typically require submission of discharge paperwork (DD 214).

  • For disabled Veterans seeking VA compensation or additional benefits, consultation with us at ForTheVeteran can offer expert guidance.

How can we help?

We are deeply understand VA Disability Benefits and work closely with you to get you all the benefits you're owed. Our team includes veterans and their families who understand the sacrifices you've made. We know how military service can affect your health, and our goal is to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.