New York Property Tax Exemptions: Complete Guide for 2026
TL;DR
New York offers several property tax exemptions that can save homeowners hundreds or thousands per year. The most widely available is the Basic STAR ($30,000 reduction in assessed value for school taxes). Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled homeowners, veterans, and agricultural land. Most require an application. If you have not filed, you may be leaving money on the table.
Property taxes in New York average 1.72% of home value, which means the typical homeowner pays about $6,536 per year on a $380,000 home. Exemptions directly reduce your taxable value or tax bill, and they apply every year once approved. Here is every exemption available in New York for 2026.
Summary of New York Property Tax Exemptions
| Exemption | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Basic STAR | $30,000 reduction in assessed value for school taxes |
| Enhanced STAR | $74,900 reduction in assessed value for school taxes |
| Veterans Exemptions (Sections 458/458-a) | $12,000-$60,000+ depending on service era, combat zone, and disability |
| Senior Citizens Exemption (Section 467) | Up to 50% of assessed value (varies by municipality) |
| Persons with Disabilities Exemption | Up to 50% of assessed value (varies by municipality) |
| Agricultural Assessment | Assessment based on agricultural productivity value rather than market value |
Detailed Exemption Guide
Basic STAR
| Amount | $30,000 reduction in assessed value for school taxes |
| Who Qualifies | All owner-occupied primary residences |
| How to Apply | New homeowners register through NYS Tax Department website for the STAR credit (check). Existing STAR exemption recipients keep it through their local assessor. |
| Deadline | Register online anytime. Enhanced STAR must be renewed if income changes. |
Enhanced STAR
| Amount | $74,900 reduction in assessed value for school taxes |
| Who Qualifies | Homeowners 65+ with income under $98,700 |
| How to Apply | Apply through the NYS Tax Department. Must provide income verification. |
| Deadline | Renewal required periodically. Check with your assessor. |
Veterans Exemptions (Sections 458/458-a)
| Amount | $12,000-$60,000+ depending on service era, combat zone, and disability |
| Who Qualifies | Veterans who served during qualifying periods, their spouses, and Gold Star parents |
| How to Apply | File with your local assessor. Provide DD-214 and VA documentation. |
| Deadline | File by taxable status date (March 1 in most towns) |
Senior Citizens Exemption (Section 467)
| Amount | Up to 50% of assessed value (varies by municipality) |
| Who Qualifies | Homeowners 65+ with income under locally set limits |
| How to Apply | Apply through your local assessor. Income documentation required. |
| Deadline | By taxable status date (March 1 in most towns) |
Persons with Disabilities Exemption
| Amount | Up to 50% of assessed value (varies by municipality) |
| Who Qualifies | Homeowners with qualifying disabilities and income under local limits |
| How to Apply | Apply through local assessor with medical documentation |
| Deadline | By taxable status date |
Agricultural Assessment
| Amount | Assessment based on agricultural productivity value rather than market value |
| Who Qualifies | Land actively used for agriculture (minimum 7 acres, $10,000+ gross sales in 2 of last 4 years) |
| How to Apply | File Form RP-305 with your local assessor |
| Deadline | By taxable status date (March 1) |
How to Maximize Your Savings
Stack Multiple Exemptions
Many of these exemptions can be combined. For example, you can claim a homestead exemption and a veteran exemption at the same time. Check each exemption's eligibility requirements, and apply for every one you qualify for.
Combine Exemptions with an Assessment Appeal
Exemptions reduce your taxable value, but if the underlying assessed value is too high, you are still overpaying. File for exemptions and appeal your assessment for maximum savings. See our New York property tax appeal guide for step-by-step instructions.
Do Not Miss Deadlines
Most exemptions have application deadlines. Missing the deadline means waiting another year. Mark the dates on your calendar and file early.
How PropertyTaxFight Can Help
Exemptions are just one piece of the puzzle. If your assessed value is too high, PropertyTaxFight can help you build a strong appeal case for $79. You get comparable sales data, equity analysis, and county-specific filing instructions. Combined with the right exemptions, you can significantly reduce your annual tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reapply for exemptions every year in New York?
It depends on the exemption. Some (like homestead exemptions) are one-time filings that auto-renew. Others (especially income-based exemptions for seniors) require annual renewal. Check the specific requirements for each exemption you claim.
Can I apply for exemptions retroactively?
Some New York exemptions allow retroactive applications for prior tax years. Check with your county assessor or tax office for the specific rules. In many cases, you can recover 1-2 years of missed exemptions.
What happens to my exemption if I sell my home?
Exemptions tied to owner-occupancy (like homestead exemptions) do not transfer to the buyer. The new owner must apply for their own exemptions. When you buy a new home, remember to file for exemptions at your new address.
How do I know if I am already receiving an exemption?
Check your property tax bill or assessment notice. Exemptions are usually listed as line items. You can also check with your county assessor or auditor to see which exemptions are on file for your property.
Start Saving on Your New York Property Taxes
File for every exemption you qualify for. It is free money that reduces your tax bill every year. Then, if your assessed value seems too high, use PropertyTaxFight to build your appeal case. The combination of exemptions and a successful appeal can save you thousands.