Why Exemptions Matter
New York has some of the highest property taxes in the nation, but it also offers some of the most generous exemption programs. Many homeowners — especially seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities — are paying more than they need to because they have not applied for exemptions they qualify for. Even basic exemptions like STAR can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
If you are behind on taxes, securing an exemption you previously missed will not erase past debt, but it can significantly reduce your go-forward burden and make a payment plan more manageable.
STAR and Enhanced STAR
The School Tax Relief (STAR) program provides a partial exemption from school property taxes for primary residences. The Basic STAR exemption is available to all homeowners with household income under $500,000. Enhanced STAR provides a larger exemption for homeowners aged 65 and older with household income under $98,700 (2026 threshold).
New applicants register for the STAR credit through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance rather than applying for the exemption through their local assessor. If you have owned your home for years without STAR, you may be leaving significant money on the table.
Veterans, Seniors, and Disability Exemptions
New York offers property tax exemptions for veterans who served during qualifying periods (under RPTL §458, §458-a, and §458-b), providing reductions of up to 15 percent for eligible veterans and up to 50 percent for combat veterans, applied to the assessed value. Senior citizens aged 65 and older may qualify for an additional exemption of up to 50 percent under RPTL §467, subject to income limits set by each municipality.
Homeowners with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for exemptions similar to the senior citizen program. Each municipality sets its own income limits and participation, so contact your local assessor's office for specifics.
How to Apply
Most property tax exemptions require an application to your local assessor's office, typically filed by March 1 for the following tax year. You will need proof of ownership, proof of residency, income documentation, and any supporting records (DD-214 for veterans, age verification for seniors, disability documentation). Your assessor's office can provide the specific forms and deadlines for your municipality.
If you believe you have been missing an exemption for multiple years, some municipalities will apply it retroactively for a limited period. It is worth asking.