Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors, Veterans and Homeowners With Disabilities in Orange County, NY

By Ammar Iqbal | Real Estate Salesperson, eXp Realty

Property taxes are one of the biggest costs of owning a home in Orange County, NY. Many homeowners pay more than they need to simply because they never applied for an exemption they qualify for. Here is a simple look at the main New York State property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities, and how to apply for them.

Senior Citizens Exemption (Age 65+)

New York's senior citizens exemption can lower the assessed value of your home by up to 50% if you are 65 or older and your income is under the limit set by your town or city, the county and your school district. Local governments can set the income limit as high as $50,000 for the full 50% reduction, with smaller reductions on a sliding scale above that. In general, the home must be your primary residence and you must have owned it for at least 12 months. Because each taxing authority sets its own limit, the savings can differ from one town to the next.

Seniors should also look at the Enhanced STAR credit for school taxes. Our STAR property tax credit guide explains how it works.

Veterans Exemptions

Most towns and cities in Orange County offer the Alternative Veterans Exemption. It generally reduces assessed value by 15% for veterans who served during a recognized wartime period, an extra 10% for combat zone service, and more for a service-connected disability. Dollar caps are set locally, and school taxes are only included if the school district has opted in. Some localities also offer a Cold War Veterans Exemption, and an un-remarried surviving spouse may also qualify.

Exemption for Homeowners With Disabilities

Homeowners with a qualifying disability and limited income may get a reduction of up to 50%, similar to the senior exemption. Like the senior program, it is a local option with locally set income limits.

How and When to Apply

• Applications go to your town or city assessor, not the county.
• Most Orange County towns use a March 1 taxable status date as the filing deadline. Cities can use a different date, so check with your assessor early.
• Senior and disability exemptions usually need to be renewed with proof of income.
• Exemptions generally do not transfer when a home is sold. A new owner has to apply on their own.

If you think your assessment itself is too high, that is a separate process. See how to grieve your property tax assessment and why Middletown property taxes vary.

Why This Matters When Buying or Selling

When you compare homes, look at the full tax bill without the current owner's exemptions, because your own bill could be quite different. If you are a senior thinking about selling and downsizing in Orange County, include your exemptions when you budget for your next home.

Learn More

Explore our Middletown, NY area guide, browse Middletown homes for sale, or get a free home evaluation to see what your home is worth today. Have questions about taxes on a specific home? Contact me anytime.

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Please confirm current rules and income limits with your local assessor.