Property Tax Breaks For Veterans.

[Jer4222]

Combat Veterans can get a 25% tax break on thier property taxes in most of NYS. You need to go to the office of taxation, with proof of service in a combat zone. Usually you will need to show the award of the "Armed Forces Expidtionary Medal." Which will verify service in a combat zone. This may be a problem for OIF Veterans. As when I was there, I recieved the GWOTEM "Global War On Terror Expidition Medal." Which was awarded for service out of CONUS. Now they have the Iraqi medal.

Also, if you are recieving compensation from the VA. You can bring your award letter, and also get half of your award level reduced from your property taxes. So if you are rated at say 70%, they will reduce your taxes 35% for that, and then 25% for the combat duty.

[Bud B Boomer]

Some clarifying points. A veteran who wasn't in a combat zone can receive a 15% tax reduction if they were in service during a designated time of war; local town offices can help check this out. The veterans exemption applies only to County and Town {or City} taxes, NOT school taxes.

[steven]

I would like to add that if you are in erie county you need to get your paperwork filed BEFORE 1 December.

[Bud B Boomer]

December 1st deadline is for the City of Buffalo, the Towns are May 1st...I am not sure about the deadline for Lackawanna or City of Tonawanda.

[Jackie Stecchino]

I am not making this up, but at one point Mohan wanted to do away with the Veteran's exemption until he realized it was political suicide and protected by law. But what do you want from someone who thinks the term "To Serve" refers to what the Town of Amherst employees are to do for him.