Qualifying veterans and their family members are eligible for property tax breaks in New York City.
The Alternative Veterans Exemption is available to eligible veterans of foreign wars, expeditionary medalists, veterans with honorable discharges, spouses/widow(er)s of veterans, and Gold Star parents.
From | To | |
Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts | August 2, 1990 | Present |
Vietnam War | November 1, 1955 | May 7, 1975 |
Korean War | June 27, 1950 | January 31, 1955 |
World War II | December 7, 1941 | December 31, 1946 |
World War I | April 6, 1917 | November 11, 1918 |
You may apply by downloading a paper application.
For more information, see the How to apply for a Veterans Benefit Brochure.
Alternative Veterans Exemption recipients who move mid-year to another property in NYC can receive a pro-rated exemption by completing a new application for the new property.
Your application must be submitted by March 15 for your exemption to begin on July 1 of the same year.
The Eligible Funds Exemption is for veterans who bought homes using "eligible funds," including pensions, bonuses, insurance, and mustering out pay. The exemption reduces the assessed value of the recipient’s property before taxes are assessed on it.
If you are currently receiving the Eligible Funds Exemption, which does not require primary residency, and wish to apply for the Alternative Veterans Exemption, the property must be the veteran’s primary residence. If approved for the Alternative Veterans Exemption, you will lose the Eligible Funds Exemption permanently.
Veterans in receipt of the Eligible Funds Exemption may be eligible for an increased benefit. To learn more and apply, use the increased eligible funds application.
The Alternative Veterans and Eligible Funds tax exemptions have been expanded and will now apply to school taxes. The typical single-family (tax class 1) home will save:
Alternative Veterans | Eligible Funds | |
Base benefit | $329 | $360 |
Estimated additional benefit |
$320 | $251 |
Property tax savings in fiscal year 2018 |
$649 | $611 |
Click here for more information about school tax savings.
Exemption Rates for Alternative Veterans:
Eligibility | Reduction of property's assessed value | Maximum exemption amount by tax class |
Served during a specified period of conflict (listed above) |
15% | Maximum of
$2,880 for Class tax class 1;
$21,600 for Classes tax classes 2 and 4 |
Served in a combat zone* | Additional 10% | Maximum of
$1,920 for tax class 1; $14,400 for tax classes 2 and 4 |
Disabled** | Assessed value multiplied by 50% of the veteran’s disability rating |
Maximum of $9,600 for tax class 1; $72,000 for tax classes 2 and 4 |
*Combat zone refers to a location of active combat, such as Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
**Veterans designated disabled by the Veterans’ Administration may be eligible for a disabled veteran exemption. Submit a copy of a letter from the VA indicating your disability rating. Your rating can be obtained by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
Visit the exemptions page to learn about other tax breaks for which you might qualify.
Other veterans exemption forms:
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