diff --git a/scripts/seed.py b/scripts/seed.py
index f3fbfa8..821fc42 100644
--- a/scripts/seed.py
+++ b/scripts/seed.py
@@ -178,7 +178,9 @@ def seed_model(model_version, session, lite: bool = False) -> TaxBenefitModelVer
                             "data_type": var.data_type.__name__
                             if hasattr(var.data_type, "__name__")
                             else str(var.data_type),
-                            "possible_values": None,
+                            "possible_values": json.dumps(var.possible_values)
+                            if var.possible_values
+                            else None,
                             "tax_benefit_model_version_id": db_version.id,
                             "created_at": datetime.now(timezone.utc),
                         }
diff --git a/src/policyengine_api/models/variable.py b/src/policyengine_api/models/variable.py
index f163577..71924d1 100644
--- a/src/policyengine_api/models/variable.py
+++ b/src/policyengine_api/models/variable.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ class VariableBase(SQLModel):
     entity: str
     description: str | None = None
     data_type: str | None = None  # Store as string representation
-    possible_values: str | None = Field(
+    possible_values: list[str] | None = Field(
         default=None, sa_column=Column(JSON)
     )  # Store as JSON list
     tax_benefit_model_version_id: UUID = Field(