Vermont National Guard / Burlington ANG
- Phone
- 802-338-3364
- DSN
- 312-636-3364
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Key Military Benefits
Overview of Vermont's major financial and legal protections for servicemembers and veterans.
Military Retirement Tax Exempt
Vermont fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. Enacted in 2022, this makes Vermont one of the most veteran-friendly states in New England for retirees.
Property Tax Exemptions
Qualifying veterans receive a $40,000 assessed value exemption on their primary residence. Veterans with 100% permanent and total disability pay zero property tax on their home.
National Guard Tuition Benefit
Vermont National Guard members can receive up to $10,000 per year in tuition assistance at Vermont public or private colleges. This benefit supports career development while serving.
SCRA Protections
Federal SCRA protections apply fully in Vermont, including lease termination with 30-day notice, 6% interest rate cap, and foreclosure protections.
Spouse License Reciprocity
Vermont offers expedited professional license endorsement for military spouses. Covered professions include nursing, teaching, and many others.
Veterans Hiring Preference
Vermont provides hiring preference for veterans in state civil service positions, supporting career transitions for separating servicemembers.
Tax Benefits
Vermont has significantly expanded military tax relief in recent years. Here is what servicemembers and veterans can expect when filing in Vermont.
Military Retirement Pay
Vermont fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax, effective tax year 2022. This applies to retired pay from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. Vermont joins a growing number of states recognizing the value of attracting military retirees to their communities.
Active Duty Pay
Active duty servicemembers domiciled in Vermont but stationed outside the state are exempt from Vermont income tax on their military pay. Vermont residency rules follow standard domicile principles. Servicemembers should consult the Vermont Department of Taxes or a JAG attorney for guidance on maintaining Vermont domicile while stationed elsewhere.
Property Tax Exemptions
Qualifying Vermont veterans receive a $40,000 assessed value exemption on their primary residence. This reduces the taxable assessed value of the home, directly lowering property tax bills. Veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating from the VA receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Applications are filed with the local town assessor.
Education and Licensing
Vermont invests in Guard member education and makes it easier for military spouses to continue their careers after a PCS move.
Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit
Vermont National Guard members in good standing may receive up to $10,000 per year in tuition assistance for courses at Vermont public or private colleges and universities. This benefit can be used for undergraduate or graduate coursework. Members should contact the Vermont National Guard Education Office at 802-338-3385 to confirm eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Spouse Professional License Reciprocity
Vermont participates in an expedited endorsement process for military spouses holding professional licenses from other states. Covered professions include registered nursing, licensed practical nursing, teaching, and a range of other licensed trades and professions. Military spouses should contact the Vermont Department of Labor at 802-828-4000 to begin the reciprocity process. Processing times are typically faster than standard out-of-state applicants.
Legal Protections
Federal law provides the foundation of military legal protections. Vermont enforces all SCRA and UOCAVA rights, and JAG Legal Assistance is available through the Vermont National Guard.
SCRA Protections
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) applies in full force in Vermont. Key protections include: residential lease termination with 30 days written notice and a copy of military orders; a 6% interest rate cap on debts incurred before active duty service; protection from default civil court judgments while deployed; and foreclosure protections. Vermont courts recognize SCRA claims and JAG legal assistance attorneys at 802-338-3173 can provide guidance.
UOCAVA Absentee Voting
Vermont fully complies with the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), which guarantees absentee voting rights for servicemembers and their dependents stationed outside Vermont. Vermont sends absentee ballots electronically upon request and accepts ballots by mail. Vermont National Guard members can request assistance through the unit voting assistance officer.
Additional Protections
Vermont law also prohibits the termination of utility services for the primary residence of a deployed servicemember when a family member remains in the home and requests a service continuation. Vermont also recognizes the federal protections against eviction for servicemembers paying rent at or below the federally established threshold (adjusted periodically).
Key Vermont Military Resources
These Vermont state agencies and military offices are your primary contacts for benefits, licensing, taxes, and legal assistance. All services are free to eligible servicemembers and veterans.
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs
802-828-3379Veterans benefits, property tax exemption applications
Free For Military Families
School Liaison Officers in Vermont
School Liaison Officers (SLOs) are free Department of Defense resources for military families navigating school transitions. Vermont SLOs assist with school enrollment, records transfer, special education services, extracurricular eligibility, and connecting families to community resources around Burlington ANG and Camp Johnson.
DSN numbers are for on-base or Defense Switched Network calls. Hours are local time and subject to change for federal holidays and training days.
PCSing to Vermont?
Vermont fully exempts military retirement pay and offers strong property tax protections. Our verified Vermont agents know the Burlington and Colchester communities near the National Guard installations.
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