Nassau County Property Tax Exemption Guide
- riverdaletaxrelief
- Oct 19, 2024
- 5 min read
The Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption
The Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption provides tax relief to veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during wartime periods recognized by New York State. Eligible veterans may receive a reduction in county and town taxes, but participation by villages and school districts is optional.
Types of Exemptions:
Alternative Veterans Exemption: For veterans who served in combat areas or have service-connected disabilities.
Eligible Funds Veterans Exemption: For veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during war periods recognized under the state’s Veterans Exemption Law.
Cold War Veterans Exemption: For veterans who served on active duty during the Cold War era.
Eligible Recipients:
Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a recognized war period.
Spouses of eligible veterans.
Surviving spouses of eligible veterans who have not remarried.
Gold Star parents of eligible veterans.
Benefits:
Reduction in county and town taxes.
Additional benefits for veterans who served in combat areas or have service-connected disabilities.
Requirements:
Property must be in the name of the veteran, spouse, or both; surviving spouse who is not remarried; or Gold Star parent.
Proof of residency, ownership, and service.
To Apply:
The Senior Citizens Real Property Tax Exemption
The Senior Citizens Real Property Tax Exemption provides tax relief to property owners who are 65 years of age or older. Eligible seniors may receive a reduction in county, town, school, and participating village taxes.
Benefits:
Reduction in county, town, school, and participating village taxes.
Assessment reductions between 5 and 50 percent, depending on income.
Eligibility Requirements:
Age: 65 years or older.
Property Ownership: Owned the property for at least 12 consecutive months prior to applying.
Occupancy: Occupy and use the property as their primary residence.
Income: Have an income less than $58,399.
To Apply:
The Home Improvement Property Tax Exemption
The Home Improvement Property Tax Exemption provides tax relief for homeowners who have completed permitted alterations, reconstruction, or improvements that have increased the assessed value of their one- or two-family home.
Benefits:
Reduction in county, town, and special district taxes.
Eight-year decreasing exemption.
Eligible home improvement value must be at least $3,000.
Increased market value is capped at $80,000.
Eligibility Requirements:
Type of Home: One- or two-family home.
Improvements: Permitted alterations, reconstruction, or improvements that have increased the assessed value.
Project Completion: The project must be completed before an exemption is granted.
To Apply:
Note: School districts may opt out of participating in this exemption.
The Home Improvement Tax Reduction for the Physically Disabled
The Home Improvement Tax Reduction for the Physically Disabled provides tax relief for homeowners with disabilities who have made improvements to their one-, two-, or three-family residence to facilitate its use and accessibility.
Benefits:
Reduction in county, town, and school district taxes.
The exemption remains on the property as long as the disabled individual resides at the home.
The exemption is equal to the amount of increase in value of the property attributable to accessibility improvements made.
Eligibility Requirements:
Type of Home: One-, two-, or three-family residence.
Disability: The resident must be disabled.
Improvements: Improvements that serve to facilitate the use and accessibility of the home.
To Apply:
STAR (School Tax Relief) Exemption or Credit
The STAR (School Tax Relief) Program helps New York homeowners save money on their school property taxes. Here's a breakdown of who qualifies and how to apply:
Benefits:
Reduce your school property tax bill.
Choose between an exemption or credit (explained below).
Eligibility:
Basic STAR: Open to all primary residence owners regardless of age, with an annual household income of $500,000 or less.
Enhanced STAR: For senior citizens aged 65 or older with annual incomes of $107,300 or less. Only one resident owner needs to be 65+ if the property is owned by spouses or siblings.
How to Apply:
New Applicants (not enrolled before January 2nd, 2015): You'll receive a STAR credit as a check directly from New York State. Register online at www.tax.ny.gov/star or by phone at 518-457-2036 (weekdays, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
Existing Basic and Enhanced STAR Recipients: You keep your existing exemption if you continue to own the same home.
Enhanced STAR recipients: Enroll in the Income Verification Program with New York State.
Important Note: Contact your local Department of Assessment before filing a new deed to avoid jeopardizing your exemption.
Exemption vs. Credit:
Exemption: Reduces the assessed value of your property, leading to a lower tax bill.
Credit: Issued as a check directly from New York State, reducing the total amount of school taxes you owe.
Key Points:
STAR benefits only apply to your primary residence.
Homeowners cannot receive STAR on multiple properties.
The STAR program website (www.tax.ny.gov/star) offers more information and resources.
The Exemption for Persons with Limited Incomes and Disabilities
The Exemption for Persons with Limited Incomes and Disabilities provides tax relief to individuals with disabilities who have a limited income.
Benefits:
Reduction in county, town, and school taxes.
Up to a 50% reduction based on annual income (maximum $58,399).
Eligibility Requirements:
Income: Annual income must not exceed $58,399.
Disability: Must have a documented physical or mental impairment that substantially limits their ability to engage in one or more major life activities.
Residency: The property must be used exclusively for residential purposes and be the legal residence of the disabled person.
Property Ownership: All owners must be persons with disabilities, with exemptions made for siblings or spouses.
To Apply:
Provide proof of disability.
Note: This exemption is available to individuals with limited incomes and disabilities. For additional information on property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, or homeowners with disabilities, please refer to the relevant sections.
The Volunteer Firefighters / Ambulance Workers Property Tax Exemption
The Volunteer Firefighters / Ambulance Workers Property Tax Exemption provides tax relief to enrolled members of volunteer fire companies, fire departments, or ambulance services who have at least five years of certified service.
Benefits:
Reduction in county, town, and school taxes on their primary residence.
Lifetime exemption for members with over 20 years of volunteer service.
Eligibility Requirements:
Membership: Enrolled member of a volunteer fire company, fire department, or ambulance service.
Service: At least five years of certified service.
Residency: Property must be the legal residence of the owner, used exclusively for residential purposes, and located in a city, town, or village served by the fire company.
Lifetime Exemption: Members with over 20 years of volunteer service may qualify for a lifetime exemption as long as they maintain a primary residence in the Town of Oyster Bay or any municipality in Nassau County that provides the exemption.
Exemption Amount:
The exemption equals 10 percent of the assessed value of the property.
To Apply:
Provide proof of certification of enrolled membership, ownership, and residency.
