PRINCESS ANNE — Somerset County is investigating the cost of additional property tax exemptions for veterans who are homeowners and suffer from a service-connected disability of less than 100%.

Currently former members of the armed services who have a disability rating of 100% by the Veterans Administration may receive a complete exemption from real property taxes.

New state law allows for the exemption to be expanded so 25% can be credited for those 50 to 74% disabled and 50% for those who are 75 to 99% disabled. The eligibility cap is a federal adjusted gross income of no more than $100,000 and the legislation leaves it to counties to adopt and administrate.

County tax collection officer Willis Dryden said based on VA information from 2018, there are 48 residents in Somerset County disabled in the 50 to 75% range, and 85 in the 75 to 99% range that could apply for a partial exemption.

Based on a range of $1000 to $2000 in taxes due, Mr. Dryden estimates the revenue lost to the county could be from $55,000 to $110,000.

“As of right now only two counties have adopted it, Queen Anne’s and Anne Arundel,” Mr. Dryden said, but it could be “because it’s so new.” He said the responsibility of the applications and verifying income limits falls on the county. “And if they’re married filing jointly then you’ve got to get even more detailed information to see that the veteran’s not making more than $100,000.”

When presenting the information to the County Commissioners Feb. 2 Mr. Dryden suggested the impact be examined during budget deliberations before it’s formally adopted.

Commissioner Vice President Charles Laird called it “a great program...that will help our veterans” but also wanted it researched before it’s enacted.

The commissioners were unanimous to move forward with another vote later when a plan is in place.

“The worst-case scenario is we’ll put this out not for this tax season but next tax season,” Mr. Dryden said. “In 2022.”

He did caution, however, that his reduction in tax revenue could be greater if Wicomico and Worcester counties don’t follow suit, and eligible veterans decide to move here.