In late January, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus proposed to raise the limits of exemptions for County veterans to the maximum number allowed by New York State. He shepherded this law through both the Rules and Ways and Means legislative subcommittees, where it passed unanimously in both, and, on February 6th, the full Orange County Legislature voted unanimously to put this into action.
“We’re working to make homeownership more affordable for veterans,” said Neuhaus. “I believe we should be doing all we can to help our veterans, and the veterans tax exemption can provide some needed financial relief to veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. I thank the Orange County Legislature for working with me to make this come to fruition.”
Obtaining a veteran exemption is not automatic. If you’re an eligible veteran and are not already receiving a veteran’s exemption, you must submit the initial exemption application form to your town assessor. If you are already receiving a veteran’s exemption, then you do not need to apply again. The deadline for the application in most communities is March 1st, but please double-check and confirm the date and the status of your exemption with your town assessor.
Benefits of Alternative Veteran Exemption
- 15% reduction in assessed value to veterans who served during a time of war
- Additional 10% reduction in assessed value to veterans serving in combat zones (including recipients of expeditionary medals)
- Additional reduction in assessed value to veterans who incur service-connected disabilities, equal to one-half of their service-connected disability ratings (regardless of whether such veterans served in combat zones)
- Percentage-level benefits are subject to maximum dollar limits set by each taxing jurisdiction
“The unanimous passing of the alternative veteran’s exemption is just another example of how the Legislature works together across party lines to do what is right for our constituents,” said Orange County Legislator Janet Sutherland. “Our veterans and their families have already sacrificed so much, and it is an honor to be able to help them in this small, but meaningful way.” Orange County Legislator Glenn Ehlers added, “Our veterans have taken care of us and it’s the least we can do here in Orange County to show we are grateful for their service and their sacrifice.”
Paul Wiley, Director of the County’s Real Property office, brought the veteran tax exemption to the attention of the County Executive and proposed that it not only be renewed, but raised, as the last time the exemption limits were modified was February 2001. “Raising the limits of the veterans’ exemptions had not been done here in Orange County since 2001,” said Wiley. “It was time for us to step up and do what we could to ease the tax burden on those who have fought and sacrificed for our country.”
