Statewide & Federal
NYS Veterans' Property Tax Exemption
New York Real Property Tax Law offers three exemptions for veteran homeowners - here’s how they work and how to apply.
What It Offers
- Section 458-a (Alternative Veterans' Exemption) - the most common: 15% of assessed value, plus 10% more for combat-zone service, plus up to half your VA disability rating, each subject to local caps.
- Section 458 (Eligible Funds Exemption) - up to $7,500 off general municipal taxes for property bought with pension, bonus, or insurance funds.
- Section 458-b (Cold War Veterans' Exemption) - 10-15% of assessed value for up to 10 years; each municipality opts in separately.
- An unremarried surviving spouse can often continue or inherit the exemption.
How to Apply
- Confirm which exemption(s) your town, village, city, and school district grant - coverage varies by municipality.
- Gather proof of veteran status (DD-214 or a New York State Division of Veterans' Services letter) and proof of residency and ownership.
- File Form RP-458-a (or RP-458 / RP-458-b) with your local assessor - deadline is typically March 1, though NYC uses an online window (Sept 15-Mar 15).
- Once accepted, most exemptions renew automatically unless your status or property changes.
Source: NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, RP-458-a instructions and RPTL Section 458-a. Confirm current deadlines and local adoption with your assessor - exemption availability and amounts vary by municipality.
