NYS - ORPTS - Update - Alternative Veterans Exemption for School Taxes FAQS

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance sent this bulletin at 02/04/2014 03:43 PM EST
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The New York State
Department of Taxation and Finance

Alternative Veterans Exemption for School Taxes FAQS

The Governor has signed Chapter 518 that allows school districts to opt into offering the alternative vets exemption (RPTL 458-a). The law took effect December 18, 2013. Here is a link to the new legislation (A565/S1199):
http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A00565&term=2013&Summary=Y&Text=Y

Shown below are answers to the common questions we have received from assessment officials:

  • Q1. If a homeowner is receiving the alternative veterans exemption for another taxing purpose (ex. town or county) do they need to submit an application to receive the alternative veterans exemption for school taxes?
  • A1. No. If a school district opts in to RPTL 458-a, a homeowner who is already receiving the alternative veterans exemption for another purpose does not need to submit a new application to receive the exemption for school purposes. The exemption may be granted on the basis of the veteran's original application for the alternative veterans exemption.
  • Q2. If a homeowner is receiving an eligible funds exemption for another taxing purpose, does that preclude that homeowner from receiving an alternative veterans exemption for school taxes?
  • A2. No. If a school district opts in to 458-a, a veteran may receive the alternative veterans exemption for school purposes even if the homeowner is receiving the eligible funds exemption for another purpose. However, the homeowner will need to submit an application to receive the alternative veterans exemption for school purposes (unless the veteran was receiving the alternative veterans exemption for another purpose, see Q1).
  • Q3. Can a school district choose to offer the eligible funds or cold war vets exemptions?
  • A3. No. The new law only gives school districts the option of offering the alternative veterans exemption.
  • Q4. Can a school district select limits that are different from the limits set for town purposes?
  • A4. Yes. The limits that the school district selects will apply to all the homeowners in the school district for school tax purposes.
  • Q5. By what date does a school district need to opt-in to 458-a?
  • A5. Our recommendation is that the school district opt-in to 458-a on or before the applicable taxable status date.