There is a new provision in the Wisconsin state budget that all disabled veterans should be made aware of, according to state Rep. Terry Musser, R-Melrose, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs.

Musser explained that veterans or spouses over 65 years of age — who were residents when they entered the service with a 100-percent service-related disability — generally are currently eligible for a credit on income taxes for property taxes paid.

Musser was instrumental in expanding the credit in this budget. Beginning with income taxes for tax year 2009 — the forms due in April 2010 — more veterans will be eligible for this credit. Those who qualify will need to apply to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs after Jan. 1, 2009, for certification of eligibility.

“Basically,” Musser said, “we added five-year residency instead of only residency on entry, we deleted the age limit and added those who are classified as IU.”

The effective date means that property tax paid in calendar year 2009 will be eligible for credit on income tax forms due in April of 2010. Those who usually pay property taxes in December might choose to delay that until January of 2009 in order to have that payment eligible for credit the first time. That would, of course, mean not getting the usual credit for 2008 but getting total credit later.

Musser welcomes views on this or any state issue and may be contacted in the mail at: State Capitol Room 11 West, Madison, WI 53702. He can also be reached by calling (888) 534-0092 or e-mailing at rep.musser@legis.wi.gov.