Veterans property tax exemption on Long Island

NY State and your town offer up to four veteran-related property tax exemptions. The most common — Alternative Veterans — reduces assessed value by 15-25%+ for eligible veterans. Here's how each works and how to apply.

Alternative Veterans exemption — reduction tiers

Service categoryReduction in assessed value
Wartime service (qualified)15%
Combat zone (additional)+10%
Service-connected disability+½ of VA disability rating (e.g., 30% rating → +15%)
Maximum (varies by town's dollar cap)Town sets a maximum dollar exemption — often $30k-$60k assessed value

Eligibility

You must:

  • Be a veteran with qualifying service (honorable discharge or equivalent)
  • Own the property as your primary residence (or be a designated family member)
  • Have served during a recognized wartime period for the wartime exemption
  • Have served in a combat zone for the combat exemption
  • Have a VA service-connected disability rating for the disability exemption

Career military members may qualify if they completed their contracted term and reenlisted, with 10+ years of service.

How to apply

  1. File Form RP-458-a with your town assessor before March 1 (or your town's exemption deadline)
  2. Attach DD-214 (or equivalent military discharge documentation)
  3. If applying for disability portion, attach VA service-connected disability rating letter
  4. For Cold War-era veterans (1945-1991, no wartime service), use Form RP-458-b instead

One-time filing — once approved, the exemption renews annually as long as you own and occupy the property.

The Alternative Veterans exemption applies to school taxes too on most Long Island districts. Most LI districts have opted into the school tax portion. Check your specific district — if not opted in, the exemption applies only to county and town taxes.

Frequently asked questions

I served in peacetime. Do I qualify?

You may qualify for the Cold War Veterans exemption (Form RP-458-b), available to veterans who served 365+ days between Sept 2, 1945 and Dec 26, 1991 in non-combat status. Reduction is typically 10-15%.

My spouse is the veteran but the deed is in my name. Can we get this?

Yes, if the deed is held by a veteran's spouse, child, or eligible family member. NY State law extends the exemption to qualifying family members.

Does the exemption apply to co-ops?

Yes — municipalities have the option to extend this to co-op apartments. Most LI municipalities have adopted this option.

What if I have an 80% VA disability rating?

You get 15% (wartime) + ½ of 80% = +40% in additional reduction. Combined ~55%, capped by the town's maximum dollar exemption.

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Sources & citations

Last verified: 2026-05-11. Tax rules change; we re-verify each page quarterly.

Estimates and educational content only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify with your county or town receiver, an attorney, or a CPA before making financial decisions.