State file · TN
Veteran benefits in Tennessee
Tennessee combines no general state income tax with property tax relief for disabled veterans, education grants, and four state veterans homes. Here's how the benefits break down by category.
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Financial benefits
No state income tax
Tennessee does not levy a general state income tax. The state's Hall Tax on interest and dividend income was phased down over several years and fully repealed beginning January 1, 2021; while in effect it exempted the first $1,250 of individual income or $2,500 on joint returns.
Property tax relief for disabled veterans
Qualifying disabled veterans and surviving spouses can receive tax relief on a primary residence, calculated on a maximum market value of $175,000. Qualifying conditions include paraplegia, permanent paralysis of both legs, loss of two or more limbs, legal blindness, a 100% total and permanent disability, or a 100% rating tied to prisoner-of-war status.
Sales tax picture
The statewide sales tax rate is 7.0%, with county additions of up to 2.75%; the combined average is roughly 9.494%.
Recreation
Disabled veteran hunting & fishing license
Veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible for a free hunting and fishing license, and veterans with a 30% disability rating due to wartime service can obtain one for a one-time fee of $10.
State park camping discounts
During the off-season (November 1 through March 31), resident veterans can camp at the same discounted rate as Tennessee senior campers. On Veterans Day, camping and golf greens fees are free at state campgrounds and golf courses.
Education programs
Early class registration
Veterans who are Tennessee residents, or who had Tennessee as their military home of record, may register for classes at public higher education institutions before the general student population.
Helping Heroes Education Grant
Eligible veterans can receive $1,000 per semester for completing 12 or more semester hours with no failing grades, or $500 per semester for completing 6 to 11 hours with no failing grades. No award is made for enrollment below 6 semester hours.
Interstate Compact for military children
Tennessee participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which removes barriers around enrollment, placement, extracurricular participation, and on-time graduation when military families move.
Veteran housing
Tennessee State Veterans Homes
The state operates veterans homes in Murfreesboro, Humboldt, Knoxville, and Clarksville. Eligibility generally requires Tennessee residency or native status and an honorable discharge; spouses may also qualify, and costs apply.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Veterans receive 5 points added to state employment examination scores, and veterans with a VA service-connected disability receive 10 points.
Military leave for state employees
State employees serving in a reserve component receive paid leave for up to 20 workdays in a calendar year, with unpaid leave available for active duty periods beyond that.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of veterans and reserve component members returning from duty.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to the Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville (Madison), Memphis, and Mountain Home national cemeteries. Veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions are interred at no fee, with a small fee for spouses and dependent children.
VA resources in Tennessee
Nashville Regional Benefits Office
The VA regional office serving Tennessee for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteJames H. Quillen VA Medical Center
VA medical care based at Mountain Home, serving northeast Tennessee.
Official siteTennessee Valley Healthcare System
VA medical care for middle Tennessee, with the Alvin C. York campus in Murfreesboro and a Nashville campus.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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