How I’m Saving Money with a VA Benefit You Might Not Know About

Today I went to get my veteran exemption handled—and as I was sitting there, it hit me... maybe not everyone knows this little perk even exists.

If you're a veteran living in Nevada, you might be missing out on some incredible savings. I just renewed my vehicle registration and paid zero dollars—yes, zero—because of the veteran exemption I applied for. It’s not automatic, but once you know about it and get it set up, it can seriously lighten your financial load.

Let me walk you through exactly how it works, so you can start saving too.

💸 Two Ways Nevada Veterans Can Save

Nevada gives you two great options as a veteran—you can use your exemption to reduce either your property taxes or your vehicle registration fees. But here's the kicker: you have to choose one or the other, not both.

So how do you decide? Let's break it down:

🏠 Option 1: Property Tax Exemption

If you’re a homeowner, this can be a great way to save long-term. The exemption amount varies based on your level of service and disability rating. Here’s what you need to know:

• You’ll apply through the county assessor’s office (for Las Vegas, that’s the Clark County Assessor).

• Once approved, a set dollar amount is subtracted from your assessed home value before taxes are calculated.

• If you’re a disabled vet, your exemption is even higher.

• You need to renew it annually, but once it’s in the system, renewal is easy.

If you're staying in your home for a while, this can add up to hundreds off your tax bill every year.

🚗 Option 2: Vehicle Registration Discount (My Pick!)

This is the one I used today—and let me tell you, walking out without paying a cent for registration felt pretty good. Here's how it works:

• You use your exemption at the Nevada DMV.

• If you qualify, it reduces (or completely eliminates) your registration fees.

• Great option if you don’t own property or just want instant savings.

• Like the property exemption, you’ll need to renew it each year—but it's totally worth the quick paperwork.

And here's a pro tip from me: instead of dealing with the main DMV office downtown, I went to the one on Cheyenne. It’s a lesser-known location, and the process was way smoother and faster.

👀 So Which One Should You Choose?

It really depends on your situation:

• Own a home and plan to stay put for a while? Property tax exemption might give you more bang for your buck over time.

• Renting or want to see savings right now? The car registration exemption is a solid choice.

Just remember—you can’t use both. You’ll need to pick one each year, but you can switch if your circumstances change.

📝 What You’ll Need to Apply

• A copy of your DD-214 or military ID

• Proof of Nevada residency

• Your VA disability letter (if applicable)

• The proper application form (Assessor’s Office or DMV will have it)

📞 Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Tip)

This is one of those things that’s easy to overlook but makes a real impact once you tap into it. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about using the benefits you earned through service.

If you’re not sure which option is better for you, or if you want a little help figuring out where to start, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

And if you’re a veteran moving to Nevada, this is one more reason to love living here.

Thank you for your service—and happy saving!