State file · WY
Veteran benefits in Wyoming
Wyoming levies no state income tax and keeps sales taxes among the lowest in the country, while offering wartime and disabled veterans a property tax exemption, free lifetime game and fish licenses, and tuition-free college for overseas combat veterans.
Back to the state mapWyoming file
Financial benefits
No state income tax
Wyoming does not tax residents' income — the state has preempted the field of imposing and levying income taxes — so military retirement pay and VA benefits are not taxed at the state level.
Veterans property tax exemption
Veterans who have lived in Wyoming for at least three years may qualify with a DD Form 214 and qualifying service, such as service during World War II, Korea, or Vietnam, overseas service in an armed conflict earning the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, or a compensable VA service-connected disability. Non-remarried surviving spouses also qualify; applications go to the county assessor between January 1 and the fourth Monday of May each year.
Sales tax picture
The statewide sales tax rate is 4.0%, with county additions of up to 2% (2–4% for lodging); the combined average is roughly 5.39%.
Recreation
Free licenses for disabled veterans
The Game and Fish Department issues free lifetime bird, small game, and fish licenses to veterans with a 100% disability rating, and resident veterans with a 50% rating receive a free lifetime fishing license.
Active duty and pioneer licenses
Active duty members on leave can receive free resident elk, deer, game bird/small game, and daily fishing licenses, and members stationed in Wyoming for 90 or more days pay resident prices. Veterans 65 or older with 30 or more continuous years of Wyoming residency receive a free lifetime bird, small game, and fishing license.
Free state parks pass
Veterans with a 50% disability rating are eligible for a free lifetime day-use and camping pass to all Wyoming state parks.
Education programs
Wyoming tuition assistance
Free tuition and fees at Wyoming community colleges and the University of Wyoming for overseas combat veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents — currently 8 semesters within an 8-year period (changed from 10 semesters after August 31, 2020).
Interstate Compact for military children
Wyoming participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, addressing enrollment, placement, program qualification, and on-time graduation for military-connected students.
Veteran housing
Veterans' Home of Wyoming at Buffalo
The state veterans home in Buffalo serves veterans who are unable to earn a living and lack adequate means of support, with valid in-state residency or intent to reside in Wyoming permanently.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 points added to state employment examination scores, and veterans with a service-connected disability receive 10 points.
Federal hiring preference
Eligible veterans are entitled to 5 or 10 preference points in federal scoring processes for examinations and interviews.
Burials & memorials
Oregon Trail State Veterans' Cemetery
The state cemetery in Evansville is open to every veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable. There is no charge for any burial plot, and spouses and dependent children may also be eligible.
VA resources in Wyoming
Cheyenne VA Medical/Regional Office Center
The combined VA medical center and regional benefits office serving Wyoming, located in Cheyenne.
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.
Wyoming file open
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