7 Property Tax Exemptions Every Nassau County Homeowner Should Know

Property tax exemptions can save Nassau County homeowners thousands of dollars annually. Unlike tax grievances which challenge your assessment, exemptions provide direct reductions to your tax bill based on your circumstances or property characteristics.

What it is: The most widely available exemption, providing relief on school property taxes.

Basic STAR Eligibility:
- Primary residence of at least one owner
- No age requirement
- Income limit: $250,000 for all owners and spouses
- Married couples limited to one property unless legally separated

Enhanced STAR Eligibility:
- All owners must be 65+ by December 31
- Income limit: $107,300 for 2025 benefits
- Must currently have Basic STAR exemption

Savings: Basic STAR typically saves $300-500 annually; Enhanced STAR saves $400-700 annually.

Deadline: January 2, 2025 for Nassau County

What it is: Reduces county and town taxes for seniors with limited income.

Eligibility:
- Age 65 or older
- Income limit: $58,399 (including Social Security)
- Must own property for 12+ consecutive months
- Primary residence requirement

Savings: 5% to 50% reduction on county and town taxes (not school taxes)

Required Documents:
- Government ID for age proof
- NY State Income Tax Return
- Deed or certificate of shares
- Medical expense documentation

What it is: Tax relief for veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents.

Eligibility:
- Veterans who served during wartime
- Un-remarried surviving spouses
- Gold Star parents
- Active duty during specific conflicts

Benefits:
- 15% of assessed value for non-combat veterans
- Additional 10% for combat veterans
- Additional benefits for disabled veterans
- Cold War exemption: 15% or $135 cap

Required Documents:
- Military discharge papers (DD-214)
- Proof of ownership and residence
- Additional documentation for combat or disability status

What it is: Tax relief for property owners with mental or physical disabilities.

Eligibility:
- Disability certified by federal government
- Income limits (same as Senior Citizen exemption)
- Cannot receive both Senior and Disability exemptions

Required Documents:
- Federal disability award letter
- VA disability pension verification (if applicable)
- Proof of income and residence
- Medical documentation

What it is: Eight-year decreasing exemption for permitted improvements.

Eligibility:
- Improvements must increase property value by $3,000-$80,000
- Must be permitted improvements
- Original structure must be 5+ years old
- Square footage limitations apply

Savings: Gradual reduction over 8 years, starting at 100% of improvement value

Important: Only applies to one and two-family homes

What it is: Tax reduction for accessibility improvements.

Eligibility:
- Physically disabled resident or household member
- One, two, or three-family residence
- Disability certified by NY physician
- Improvements must enhance accessibility

Examples of Qualifying Improvements:
- Ramps and wheelchair access
- Bathroom modifications
- Kitchen accessibility features
- Door widening and hardware modifications

What it is: 10% exemption for volunteer emergency service members.

Eligibility:
- Minimum 2 years of service
- Lifetime exemption after 20 years (Nassau County only)
- Un-remarried spouse of deceased volunteer (if qualified)

Important Notes:
- Depends on city/village/school district opting in
- Calculations vary by assessing jurisdiction
- Requires certification of membership

Step 1: Determine your eligibility for each exemption
Step 2: Gather required documentation
Step 3: Complete application forms
Step 4: Submit by appropriate deadlines
Step 5: Follow up to ensure processing

Pro Tips:
- Apply for multiple exemptions if eligible
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
- Monitor your tax bills for exemption application
- Reapply annually if required

1. Missing Deadlines - Most exemptions have strict filing deadlines
2. Incomplete Applications - Missing documentation can delay or deny approval
3. Not Reapplying - Some exemptions require annual renewal
4. Incorrect Income Calculation - Include all income sources
5. Wrong Property Classification - Ensure property meets class requirements
6. Not Checking Eligibility Changes - Circumstances change, affecting eligibility

Strategy 1: Apply for all eligible exemptions simultaneously
Strategy 2: Combine exemptions with tax grievances
Strategy 3: Monitor for new exemptions or eligibility changes
Strategy 4: Keep detailed records of all applications
Strategy 5: Consider professional assistance for complex cases

Remember: Exemptions can save you hundreds or thousands annually, making them well worth the effort to apply.