With the deadline to file drawing near many Homeowners aren’t aware of the different exemptions that Nassau County offers to help reduce their property taxes. Check out the exemptions below to see if you qualify for one or more tax exemptions that you didn’t even know about. But remember…the deadline to file is January 2, 2012.
Basic STAR Exemption
All homeowners, regardless of age and with an annual income of less than $500,000, may apply for the Basic STAR Exemption which is the New York State School Tax Relief program.
Enhanced STAR Exemption
Homeowners age 65 and over with annual gross adjusted incomes of less than $79,500 may apply for the Enhanced STAR Exemption for additional savings.
Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption
Eligible applicants will receive an exemption from county and town taxes, but not from special district or school taxes. The exemption is equal to 15% of your assessment for service during war-time and an additional 10% for service in a combat area, or for having received an Expeditionary Medal.
Cold War Veterans Exemption
The exemption provides a partial property tax exemption (as adoption by the municipality) to veterans who served during the Cold War period. The law also provides an additional exemption to disabled veterans, equal to one-half of their service connected disability ratings. The basic exemption is limited to 10 years, but there is no time limit for the disabled portion of this exemption. In both instances, the exemption is limited to the primary residence of the veteran, and is applicable only to general municipal taxes, not to school taxes or special district levies.
Volunteer Firefighter/Ambulance Worker Property Tax Exemption
The primary residence owned by an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or ambulance service will be granted a partial exemption from municipal/school taxes and special ad valorem tax levies. So long as the property owner has been a member for at least five (5) years. Nassau County offers a lifetime exemption to members with over 20 years of volunteer service.
Home Improvement Property Tax Exemption
The Home Improvement Exemption is an eight year decreasing exemption on alterations, reconstructions or improvements that increase the assessed value of a one or two-family home. For the first year of the exemption, 100 percent of the assessed value of the improvement is exempt. In the second year 87.5 percent; in the third year, 75 percent; and so on.
Physically Disabled Tax Reduction Program
The real property tax exemption granted is equal to the amount of any increase in value of property attributable to improvements made for the purpose of facilitating and accommodating the use and accessibility of the property by (a) a resident owner of the property who is physically disabled or (b) a member of the resident owner’s household who is physically disabled if the member of the household resides on the property.
Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption
Senior Citizen homeowners in Nassau County whose incomes are $37,399 or lower are eligible to receive an exemption on their real property taxes. In order to participate in the exemption program, at least one property owner must be 65 years of age or older and the combined income of property owners must fall within the required guidelines. Renewal applications have been sent to residents already receiving senior citizen property tax exemptions.
Persons with Disabilities and Limited Income Partial Property Exemption
To be eligible, homeowners whose incomes are $37,399 or less must have physical or mental impairment not due to current use of alcohol or illegal drugs. Proof of disability is required. Note: if your property is receiving an exemption under the low income senior citizens’ exemption, it cannot receive this exemption.
(Information provided by Nassau County)