Photo Courtesy the Queens Borough President’s Office
This recently passed property tax exemption bill will make it easier for veterans to stay in their homes by offering financial relief.
By Michael V. Cusenza
The City Council recently unanimously passed a veterans property tax relief bill that will make it easier for men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces to stay in their homes by offering financial relief, according to the legislation’s co-sponsors, Councilmen Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Steven Matteo (R-Staten Island), who made the announcement on Friday.
According to Ulrich, the City currently offers a veterans property tax exemption, but this does not include the school district portion of the tax bill. Veterans who are eligible for this tax break are forced to pay back the school district tax portion, which can cost upwards of $400 per property.
According to Council records, the Alternative Exemption for Veterans, which has been sent to the mayor’s desk for final approval, would extend the relief to include school taxation. The proposed legislation provides for a reduction in assessed value to veterans who served during a time of war, with additional reductions available to veterans who served in combat zones and disabled veterans.
“Although it would be impossible to fully repay the debt we owe our veterans for their service, we should make every effort to assist our brave men and women in uniform,” Ulrich said. “As chair of the City Council’s Veterans Committee, it has been a privilege to serve the brave men and women who have served this country. I vow to continue being an advocate for our nation’s heroes.”
Council Minority Leader Matteo added, “With our city becoming less and less affordable, our veterans not only deserve, but absolutely need financial relief to help them remain in their homes, and a vital part of our communities. The Alternative Property Tax Exemption does just that, and it will have a real impact on the lives of tens of thousands of veterans and their families.”
