Tax break boost for Highland vets

Local law increases property tax exemption for veterans

By LISA CUTRONI

ELDRED, NY — Highland veterans are eligible for an increased property tax break after lawmakers approved the measure during the February 14 town board meeting.

According to local law 1 of 2006, Highland veterans, qualifying for the veterans’ property tax exemption stated under Real Property Tax Law 458-A, are entitled to changed and, for the most part, increased tax breaks.

According to assessor Lorry King, once a veteran has applied for the exemption, they don’t have to re-apply; any changes in local laws would be automatically updated in their files. However, she said, those vets applying under the disability exemption have to re-apply each year as the status level of their disability may have changed. The level of tax exemption for a disabled veteran is equal to one- half of the service-connected disability rating, up to a cap of $90,000, and thus directly affects the level of exemption they are entitled.

Under the applicable law, those veterans who served during a period of war are entitled to an exemption equal to 10 percent of their properties’ assessed value. For those who also served in a combat zone, an additional 15 percent would be added, entitling the veteran to a 25-percent exemption.

Those veterans who have received the Armed Forces, Navy, Marine Corps or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and who were discharged or released honorably, are also eligible for the tax break.

While in certain circumstances a veteran may qualify under all three exemption requirements, their tax break is capped at $90,000.

To date, King doesn’t know how many of Highland’s residents are receiving veteran exemptions this year; however, she did say that a number of people have come to her office inquiring about the law, and that those applying for the STAR exemptions are also checked for 458-A eligibility.

King is not a fan of some exemptions, but she likes the one for veterans. “We should at least show them that respect,” King said.

The tax monies veterans are exempt from paying have to be made up, and King said it was other taxpayers who do that.

She also said that 458-A does not include an exemption on school taxes.

According to Paul Burckard, Director of Real Property Tax Services in Sullivan County, as of January 2, 2006, the state levels for 458-A exemptions were increased to $36,000, $24,000 and $120,000.

“Highland is matching the level the county had already gone to,” Burckard said. The county approved the increases in 2005.

Forms qualifying for the veterans’ exemption under 458-A are due at the Highland assessors’ office by March 1.