Benefits · Tax Relief
How to apply for New York Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Local assessor's office (statewide exemption under Real Property Tax Law §458-b, overseen by the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance)
Who it's for
New York offers a separate property tax exemption for veterans who served on active duty during the Cold War period — September 2, 1945 through December 26, 1991 — even without wartime or combat service. Where a locality has adopted it, the exemption reduces the home's assessed value by 10% or 15% (the locality chooses), with locally-set dollar caps. A veteran with a service-connected disability gets a further reduction equal to half the VA disability rating, and that disability portion never expires. The basic exemption lasts 10 years unless the locality has removed the time limit. The home must be owned by the veteran, the veteran's spouse, or the unremarried surviving spouse. Apply at the local assessor's office.
This exemption is a local option — each taxing jurisdiction decides whether to offer it, picks the 10% or 15% level, and sets its own dollar caps, so availability and savings vary by locality. It cannot be combined with the Alternative Veterans or Eligible Funds exemption for the same taxing purpose — wartime veterans usually do better with the Alternative exemption. The local assessor confirms what applies at a specific address.
What you'll need
- DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing active duty between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991 and an honorable discharge (or a qualifying-discharge letter from the NYS Department of Veterans' Services)
- VA award letter showing the disability rating, if claiming the disability add-on
- Cold War veterans exemption application (Form RP-458-b) from the local assessor's office
- Proof the home is the primary residence
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
Renewals
one-time application; the basic exemption runs 10 years unless the locality removed the limit — the disability portion is permanent
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.