Beyond your federal VA disability compensation, Missouri offers its own benefits for veterans — property tax, income tax, education, employment, vehicle, recreation, other, veterans home. Here's what Missouri veterans can claim, who qualifies, and how to apply.
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The currently operative property tax benefit (2026). A refundable credit for real estate taxes or rent paid by veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA, subject to household income limits (approx $30,000 single / $34,000 married per MVC materials; confirm current DOR figures). Maximum credit is $1,100 for homeowners and $750 for renters; the actual amount depends on taxes/rent paid and total household income. This is a credit, NOT a full exemption. Administered by the Missouri Dept. of Revenue.
Missouri allows 100% of military retirement/pension income to be subtracted from federal AGI for tax years 2021 and forward (Form MO-A, Part 1). Military retirement is therefore effectively exempt from Missouri income tax. Active-duty pay is fully deductible, and inactive-duty/Reserve/Guard income is 100% deductible for 2024+.
VA disability compensation is excluded from federal adjusted gross income and is not added back on the Missouri return, so it is not subject to Missouri income tax. Missouri starts from federal AGI and provides no add-back for VA disability pay.
Caps tuition at Missouri public postsecondary institutions to $50.00 per credit hour for eligible combat veterans (certificate, associate, or bachelor programs); graduate programs are capped at no more than 30% of the cost of tuition and fees. Eligibility: served in armed combat after entry, honorable discharge, Missouri resident/voter, documented combat service (DD-214 combat theater/medals/hostile-fire pay). Must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA. Undergraduate benefit available up to 10 years after discharge; graduate up to 20 years. Section 173.900 RSMo, administered by the MO Dept. of Higher Education & Workforce Development.
Grants an honorary high school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who left high school before graduating to serve in the military (administered via the Missouri Veterans Commission / state education partners).
Honorably discharged veterans, disabled veterans, and certain spouses/surviving spouses receive preference in the state hiring/selection process. When a competitive examination or scored selection is used, eligible veterans receive added points (commonly 5 points, or 10 points for disabled veterans/eligible spouses) and preference when similarly qualified. Codified in Missouri statute (RSMo Ch. 36 state personnel law and related sections); confirm exact point structure on revisor.mo.gov.
One free set of Disabled Veteran license plates for honorably discharged Missouri-resident veterans with a service-connected disability. Requires Form 4601 plus a VA statement (no more than one year old) certifying the disability is service-connected. No specialty plate, transfer, processing, or replacement plate/tab fees are due. Administered by the Missouri Dept. of Revenue.
Missouri offers specialty military license plates, including free plates for Purple Heart recipients and Former POWs (and widows of former POWs), plus Medal of Honor and Military Retiree plates. Purple Heart and POW plates are issued at no specialty fee with documentation of the award/status. Administered by the Missouri Dept. of Revenue.
Honorably discharged resident or nonresident veterans with a service-related disability of 60% or greater, former prisoners of war, or current Warrior Transition Unit patients may hunt (not trap) most wildlife - except black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys - and fish without a permit, carrying a certified VA statement of eligibility. Migratory bird permit and federal duck stamp still required for waterfowl. Veterans at 60%+ may also buy other permits (deer/turkey, trapping) at resident prices.
Missouri operates state veterans cemeteries (four locations) providing interment for eligible veterans and dependents. Administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission.
Missouri operates seven skilled-nursing veterans homes (Cameron, Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mount Vernon, St. James, St. Louis, Warrensburg). Eligibility requires Missouri residency of at least 180 days, a need for skilled nursing care, and an other-than-dishonorable discharge. A flat monthly rate covers food, laundry, housekeeping, medications, physician fee, barbershop, recreation, and WiFi/cable; documented financial hardship can reduce the rate. Administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission. Verify current monthly rate.
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Missouri offers veteran benefits across property tax, income tax, education, employment, vehicle, recreation, other, veterans home. Highlights include Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim (Circuit Breaker) - 100% disabled veterans, Military Retirement Pay Deduction (full), VA Disability Compensation - not taxed. Eligibility varies — some benefits require a VA disability rating, 100% P&T status, or combat service.
The currently operative property tax benefit (2026). A refundable credit for real estate taxes or rent paid by veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA, subject to household income limits (approx $30,000 single / $34,000 married per MVC materials; confirm current DOR figures). Maximu
Missouri allows 100% of military retirement/pension income to be subtracted from federal AGI for tax years 2021 and forward (Form MO-A, Part 1). Military retirement is therefore effectively exempt from Missouri income tax. Active-duty pay is fully deductible, and inactive-duty/Reserve/Guard income i
Many state benefits are tied to your VA disability rating — the higher your rating, the more you may qualify for. Use the free VA Ready calculator to confirm your combined rating, then check which state benefits you've earned.