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There are a number of property tax and school tax exemptions available to seniors on Long Island.  Below is a list of some of the exemptions that are accessible to qualifying seniors.  Please inquire about filing deadlines with your assessor’s office, as they differ among locals.

 

SCHE

             The Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption (SCHE) is tax exemption for senior property owners age 65 or older and applies to county, town and school taxes.  If the property is owned by a husband and wife or siblings, just one owner must be 65 or older.  The amount of the exemption is based on income level of all the owners combined and is a sliding scale amounting to property tax reductions between 5% and 50% for incomes less than $34,400.00 (in 2007).  The property must be a primary residence and the applicant(s) must have lived in the home for one year or owned a prior residence in New York State for one year.  To apply, request an application (form RP-467) from your property assessor’s office.    

 

STAR

             The New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) program affords exemptions from school property tax by way of two different exemptions: basic STAR and enhanced STAR.  The basic STAR exemption is for all homeowners of a primary residence and income and age are not a qualifying factor.  The basic STAR exemption is applied by exempting the first $30,000.00 from the full value of the home from school taxes.

             The enhanced STAR exemption is an additional exemption from school property tax for senior homeowners who are 65 or older and whose annual income is not more than $67,850.00 (adjusted annually).  The exemption is applied by exempting the first $56,800.00 from the full value of the home from school taxes.  The property must be a primary residence.  Seniors that have already qualified for SCHE will automatically qualify for the enhanced STAR exemption.

             To apply for the STAR exemptions, submit a completed form RP-425 to your property assessor’s office.  Additional proof of residency, ownership and income may be required.

 

Veterans’ Exemptions

             New York State currently has two property tax exemptions for qualifying Veterans: the former “eligible funds exemption” or the new “alternative veterans’ exemption”.  Special care should be given in choosing to switch veterans’ exemptions as special rules apply.  New applicants may only take advantage of the new “alternative veterans’ exemption”.

             The “eligible funds exemption” is a partial exemption for property purchased with “eligible funds” – a pension, bonus or insurance.  The “alternative veterans’ exemption” is available to veterans who served our country during wartime and depends on the type of service they rendered.  In some situations, an unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran or the veteran’s surviving dependent father, mother or minor children may also be eligible.  A parent of a child who died in the line of duty while serving during wartime may also apply for this exemption. 

To receive the “alternative veterans’ exemption”, the property must be exclusively residential and be the veteran’s primary residence.  The exemption only applies to county and town taxes, not school or special district taxes.  The exemption is currently equal to 15% (subject to a cap) for service during wartime with an additional 10% (subject to a cap) for a veteran that served in a combat area or received an Expeditionary Medal.  Additional exemptions may be available for disabled veterans.  Applications can be obtained from your local assessor’s office. 

 

Disabled Exemption

             Under New York State Law, physically disabled homeowners or certain members of the owner’s household who are disabled, meeting certain criteria may obtain a property tax exemption in an amount proportionate to any increase in property value due to qualifying improvements made to increase accessibility.  The property must be a primary residence and there are income limits set by individual localities.  The exemption only applies to a county, town or school district that permits the exemption.  You can obtain the application (form RP-459-c) for the handicapped exemption from your local assessor’s office.  

 

Dated: 3/2007

Property Tax exemptions for seniors

The information in this website is intended for information only and does not represent legal advice.  Receipt of materials from this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship between Fratello & Fox, P.C. and the receiver.  Professional counsel should be sought before utilizing any information contained in this website.