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Veterans Exemptions
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.
- Applicants for the Alternative Veterans Exemption must have served in one of the following conflicts:
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 - The property must be the primary residence of the owner who qualifies for the exemption.
- Applicants must submit Form DD-214, separation papers, or, if applicable, a letter from the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services stating that the veteran meets the character of discharge criteria for all of the benefits and services listed in the Restoration of Honor Act.
Deadline:
You must apply by March 15 to receive the benefit in the following tax year, which begins July 1.
Applying online:
You can apply online from September 15 to March 15. Filing online is the fastest and easiest way to file.
Applying by mail:
You can submit a paper application at any time, but please note that applications will be processed from September 15 to March 15.
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.
You must apply by March 15 to receive the benefit in the following tax year, which begins July 1. If March 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.
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.
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:
- Change in Service-Connected Disability Rating – Use this form to report a change in your disability rating
- Increased Eligible Funds Exemption Application – Use this form if you are already receiving the eligible funds exemption and you want to increase your exemption
- Disabled Crime Victim/Good Samaritan Exemption Application
- Military Request for Relief Application (from Lien Sales, ECB Judgments, Parking Judgments and Tax Warrants) Active military personnel may request relief from the Lien Sale, Tax Warrants, Environmental Control Board judgments, and parking judgments.
- Application to Remove Previously Granted Exemption(s) - Online Application
- Application to Remove Previously Granted Exemption(s) for Coop Units - Online Application
- Application to Remove Previously Granted Exemption(s) (PDF Download)
The New York City Department of Veterans’ Services provides veterans with essential services and programs focused on pivotal areas such as economic empowerment, housing security, benefits, health and wellness, and culture. Visit the Department of Veterans’ Services for more information.
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