Rhode IslandH76622026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION .

Sponsored By: Terri Cortvriend (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Bigger breaks for totally disabled veterans

Totally disabled, service‑connected veterans get extra local relief in several towns. Barrington exempts $3,000. North Kingstown exempts $11,000. Cranston can exempt up to $250,000 and extends it to the unmarried widow or widower. Scituate offers a council‑set tax credit instead of an exemption. A VA determination of total (or 100%) service‑connected disability is required.

Bigger local veteran property exemptions by town

Towns can grant larger breaks on assessed value for veterans. Examples: up to $40,500 in Westerly; up to $36,450 in New Shoreham; up to $30,000 in Glocester and West Warwick; up to $23,772 in Cumberland; $10,175 (real) and $5,500 (vehicle) in Warren; and $20,000 (real) or $12,000 (vehicle) in Narragansett. Other set amounts include Cranston (up to $3,000), Smithfield ($4,000, or up to $10,000 by ordinance), North Providence (up to $5,000), Central Falls (up to $7,500), Newport ($4,000), Barrington ($6,000), Exeter ($5,000), Warwick ($4,000). These apply only if your town has the ordinance in place.

Extra property exemption for former POWs

Veterans the VA classifies as prisoners of war get an extra $15,000 property exemption. Some towns can go higher. In Westerly, the exemption can be up to $68,000. Unmarried widows/widowers of qualifying POWs are also covered.

Local relief for Persian Gulf/Desert Storm vets

In Lincoln, qualified Persian Gulf veterans can get an extra exemption up to $10,000 if the town adopts it. Lincoln also sets a $10,000 general veterans exemption cap and may add up to $10,000 more for honorably discharged veterans who served in Operation Desert Storm. Savings depend on the amount the council sets and the local tax rate.

Local tax credits or extra relief for veterans

Some towns give tax credits or extra relief to veterans and some surviving spouses. Examples: Tiverton sets at least a $400 (or $200) annual credit. North Smithfield sets at least $350 for veterans and $200 for unmarried widows/widowers. North Kingstown gives a $200 credit. Jamestown, Charlestown, and Middletown can grant credits or exemptions for honorably discharged veterans and for some surviving spouses. Amounts and rules depend on the local ordinance.

Statewide $1,000 property tax break for veterans

The law gives qualifying veterans (and unmarried widows/widowers) at least $1,000 off their property’s taxable value. This lowers your local property tax bill by $1,000 times your town’s tax rate. Some towns set different or higher amounts by local rule. You must meet the service and discharge rules and follow your town’s filing steps.

Tax breaks for VA-adapted disabled veterans' homes

If the VA says you are totally disabled and helped you get specially adapted housing you live in, the law exempts $10,000 of that home. In Cranston, the adapted‑housing exemption can be up to $30,000. A separate rule fully exempts a specially adapted homestead for a totally and permanently disabled veteran (or surviving spouse) when bought or modified with a VA adaptive housing grant, including homes built using sale proceeds of a prior VA‑assisted homestead. In Westerly, the statute references $46,500 for this homestead exemption.

Coventry tax break for active-duty service

Coventry may exempt $1,000 of assessed value for anyone on active duty. It takes effect only if the town passes an ordinance. Your savings equal $1,000 times Coventry’s tax rate.

How to claim and apply the veteran exemption

You must file for the veterans exemption where you legally live and show proof by your town’s deadline. In South Kingstown, bring proof at least five days before the tax roll is certified. If you cannot use the full exemption in your home town, you may apply the rest to property you own in another Rhode Island town. If you hold a life estate in property, it is covered too.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Terri Cortvriend
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Alex S. Finkelman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 69 • No: 0

House vote • 3/24/2026

PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION PASSAGE