State file · AZ
Veteran benefits in Arizona
Arizona leaves active duty pay untaxed, waives vehicle fees and park entry for 100% disabled veterans, and grants immediate in-state tuition to veterans and their dependents. Here's how the benefits stack up.
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Financial benefits
Retired military pay exemption
Benefits, annuities, and pensions from federal retirement systems, including military retirement, can be subtracted from Arizona gross income in an amount totaling up to $3,500.
Active duty pay untaxed
Arizona does not tax active duty military compensation — service members subtract this income when computing state taxes.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
DIC payments to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty are tax-free.
Property tax relief
Widows, widowers, and disabled persons may have property taxes reduced or waived in certain cases through their county assessor's office, with assessed value reductions of roughly $3,965 or more.
Sales tax picture
The statewide rate is 5.6%, with local additions of up to 5.6%; the combined average is roughly 7.76%.
Recreation
Vehicle registration exemption
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are exempt from vehicle license tax and registration fees, including for vehicles acquired with VA financial assistance; unmarried surviving spouses can also qualify.
Hunting & fishing licenses
Veterans with a 100% disability rating and at least 12 months of Arizona residency receive a free combination hunting and fishing license, and active duty members pay resident rates.
State park day-use pass
Veterans rated 100% disabled can obtain the Disabled Veterans Annual Day Use Pass, good at all 27 Arizona state parks.
Education programs
Immediate in-state tuition
Veterans and their dependents can establish Arizona residency for tuition purposes right away by completing one qualifying step, such as registering to vote, getting an Arizona driver's license, registering a vehicle, establishing an employment history, transferring banking services, or updating a permanent address.
Tuition deferment
Veterans waiting on federal education benefits may defer tuition, fees, and book costs for up to 120 days with an interest-free promissory note.
University tuition waivers
Arizona public universities provide scholarship tuition waivers for qualifying veterans and dependents after verification.
Interstate Compact for military children
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children eases enrollment, course placement, extracurricular participation, and on-time graduation across state lines.
Veteran housing
Arizona State Veteran Home – Phoenix
Skilled nursing care for veterans with an honorable discharge and a physician's certification of need; spouses may also be admitted.
Official siteArizona State Veteran Home – Tucson
A second state veterans home offering skilled nursing care under the same eligibility rules.
Official siteEmployment & job training
Veterans' hiring preference
Wartime veterans, widows and widowers, and children of those killed on active duty receive preference in state agency employment until an agency's workforce reaches 40% veteran employment.
Priority of service
Eligible veterans receive priority access to Department of Economic Security employment, training, and placement services.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of veterans and members of Reserve components.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Arizona
Any veteran with an other-than-dishonorable discharge qualifies for burial at no cost at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix or Prescott National Cemetery, with nominal fees for eligible spouses and dependents.
VA resources in Arizona
Phoenix Regional Benefit Office
The VA regional office serving Arizona for benefits claims and questions.
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.
Arizona file open
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