Alternative Veterans exemption — reduction tiers
| Service category | Reduction 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
- File Form RP-458-a with your town assessor before March 1 (or your town’s exemption deadline)
- Attach DD-214 (or equivalent military discharge documentation)
- If applying for disability portion, attach VA service-connected disability rating letter
- 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.
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 and citations
Last verified May 11, 2026. Tax rules change; we re-check every page each quarter.
Educational content and estimates only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Verify with your county or town receiver, an attorney or a CPA before making financial decisions.