Iowa

100% permanently disabled veterans receive full property tax exemption on their homestead.

Veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability receive a full property tax exemption on their homestead. The unremarried surviving spouse retains the exemption.

$1,852 annual homestead tax credit for eligible war veterans.

All eligible war veterans receive a $1,852 homestead tax credit (2025 amount, adjusted annually). The credit applies to the veteran's homestead property. Surviving unremarried spouses retain the credit.

Additional property tax credit for veterans with permanent service-connected disability.

Veterans with a permanent service-connected disability may receive an additional homestead tax credit beyond the standard war veteran credit. This is separate from the 100% disabled veteran full exemption.

$1,852 property tax credit for veterans based on military service.

Iowa provides a property tax exemption for veterans based on military service, worth $1,852 annually. This is a separate credit from the homestead tax credit.

Iowa fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax.

Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Iowa's 3.8% state income tax (2026 rate). VA disability compensation is also tax-free under federal law.

DV plates for disabled veterans; 100% disabled veterans exempt from registration fees.

Veterans with a service-connected disability may obtain Disabled Veteran license plates. Veterans with 100% disability are exempt from annual vehicle registration fees on one vehicle. Former POWs are also exempt from registration fees.

Specialty plates including Veteran, Purple Heart, POW, Ex-POW, Gold Star, and branch-specific plates.

Iowa offers a variety of military specialty license plates recognizing different types of service including Veteran, Purple Heart, POW, Ex-POW, Gold Star, and branch-specific plates.

100% disabled veterans and former POWs are exempt from annual registration fees on one vehicle.

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability and former POWs are exempt from annual vehicle registration fees on one vehicle.

Tuition assistance for children of Iowa veterans who died in service or from service-connected causes.

Children of Iowa veterans who died in service or from service-connected causes may qualify for tuition assistance at Iowa public colleges and universities.

Veterans using GI Bill receive in-state tuition rates at Iowa public institutions.

Iowa complies with federal Section 702, ensuring veterans using GI Bill benefits receive in-state tuition rates at Iowa public colleges and universities.

Up to 100% tuition assistance at Iowa Regents universities and community colleges for Guard members.

The Iowa National Guard Education Assistance Program provides up to 100% of tuition at Iowa Regents universities and community colleges for active Iowa National Guard members.

Financial aid grant available to qualifying Iowa veterans for higher education.

The Iowa Veteran Grant provides financial aid to qualifying Iowa veterans pursuing higher education at Iowa institutions.

Veterans receive 5 preference points and disabled veterans receive 10 points in state hiring.

Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 preference points and disabled veterans receive 10 preference points in Iowa state government hiring processes.

Priority of service at IowaWORKS centers with DVOP specialists and LVERs.

Veterans receive priority of service at IowaWORKS workforce centers, including access to Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs).

Iowa recognizes military training toward professional licensing with expedited processing.

Iowa recognizes military training and experience toward state professional licensing requirements. Expedited licensing is available for veterans and military spouses.

Statewide initiative connecting veterans with Iowa employers, with tax incentives for businesses that hire veterans.

Home Base Iowa is a statewide initiative that connects veterans with Iowa employers, housing, and communities. The program includes tax incentives for businesses that hire veterans.

Free licenses for 100% disabled veterans; reduced-fee licenses for 50%+ disabled veterans.

Iowa resident veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses. Veterans with 50% or greater disability receive reduced-fee resident licenses. VA disability documentation is required.

Active duty military stationed in Iowa may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses.

Active duty military personnel stationed in Iowa may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses. Military members on leave may also hunt and fish on resident terms.

Two VA Medical Centers in Iowa City and Des Moines plus extensive CBOC network.

Iowa is served by the Iowa City VA Health Care System and the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines. CBOCs are located in Bettendorf, Carroll, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Knoxville, Mason City, Marshalltown, Ottumwa, Sioux City, and Waterloo.

Largest state veterans home in the nation, located in Marshalltown.

The Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown is the largest state veterans home in the nation, providing skilled nursing, domiciliary, and residential care for eligible veterans.

Free readjustment counseling in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Sioux City.

Vet Centers provide free readjustment counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat veterans and their families. Iowa locations include Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Sioux City.

Honorably discharged veterans can get a free VETERAN designation on their Iowa driver's license.

Honorably discharged veterans may have the word "VETERAN" added to their Iowa driver's license or state ID card. Present DD-214 at an Iowa DOT office.

Iowa state parks are free for all visitors; disabled veterans may get reduced camping fees.

Iowa does not charge entrance fees at state parks. Disabled veterans may receive reduced camping fees at some Iowa state parks.

Emergency financial assistance for Iowa veterans including housing, utilities, dental, and transportation.

The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency financial assistance to Iowa veterans for housing, utilities, dental care, and transportation needs.

County Veterans Service Officers in all 99 Iowa counties provide free claims assistance.

The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs provides free assistance with VA disability claims, pension applications, and survivor benefits through County Veterans Service Officers in all 99 Iowa counties.

Free burial at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter for eligible veterans and dependents.

The Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter provides free burial for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents.

Specialized court programs for veterans in multiple Iowa judicial districts.

Iowa operates Veterans Treatment Court programs in multiple judicial districts, offering specialized judicial programs for veterans involved in the justice system.

Iowa state employees receive up to 30 days of paid military leave per year.

Iowa state employees who are members of the National Guard or reserves receive up to 30 days of paid military leave per year for training or active duty.

Statewide initiative connecting veterans with communities offering local benefits packages.

Home Base Iowa is a community commitment program where Iowa communities offer local benefits packages to attract and support veterans, including housing assistance and community integration support.