New York Property Tax Exemptions 2026: Homestead, Senior, Veteran & Disability
New York (NY) homeowners have several ways to legally reduce their property tax bill — homestead reductions, senior credits, veteran exemptions, and disability programs. This page lists every New York property tax exemption available in 2026, who qualifies, dollar amounts, and how to apply.
Quick answer: The most common New York property tax exemption is the general homestead reduction for owner-occupied primary residences. Additional savings stack on top for residents who are age 65+, disabled, a disabled veteran, or a surviving spouse. Most New York exemptions require a one-time application with the local county assessor; some need annual income recertification.
How much can a New York homeowner save with the homestead exemption?
For a median New York home valued at $403,000 (current annual tax $6,450), the general homestead reduction alone is worth roughly:
All New York property tax exemptions at a glance
| Exemption | Who qualifies | Benefit | Typical savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead (general) | Owner-occupied primary residence | ~$66,000 value reduction | $1,056/yr est. |
| Senior / Age 65+ | Owner-occupied; age 65+; often income-capped | Additional reduction or freeze | $200 – $2,000/yr |
| Disabled veteran | Service-connected disability rating | Up to 100% exemption in many states | $1,000 – full bill |
| Disability (non-veteran) | Permanent total disability | Reduction + sometimes freeze | $200 – $1,500/yr |
| Surviving spouse | Of veteran, first responder, or senior | Continuation of decedent's exemption | Same as deceased's benefit |
| Agricultural / farm | Active agricultural use | Use-value assessment instead of market | 30% – 80% lower bill |
Estimated savings use New York's effective property tax rate of 1.60% on the median home value of $403,000. Your actual savings depend on your county assessor's millage and how exemptions are applied to assessed (vs. market) value.
STAR and Enhanced STAR
The School Tax Relief Program (STAR) is New York State's flagship property tax relief, administered by the Department of Taxation and Finance. Two versions:
Basic STAR (for most owner-occupants)
- Reduces school district taxable value by $30,000
- Income limit: up to $500,000 combined household income
- Available as either a reduction on the tax bill ("STAR exemption" — closed to new applicants) or a state-issued check ("STAR credit" — current default)
Enhanced STAR (for seniors 65+)
- Reduces school district taxable value by a higher amount (approximately $88,050 for 2026, indexed annually)
- Income limit for 2026: $98,700
- Must be age 65 or older (or married to someone age 65+) by December 31 of the qualifying year
- Primary residence required; annual income verification
How to enroll
Register through the STAR Resource Center at tax.ny.gov/star. If you were previously receiving the exemption before 2015-2016 cutoff, you retain that form of the benefit. New applicants receive the credit version (state check). Re-register annually if income is near the threshold.
Senior Citizens' Homeowners' Exemption (SCHE)
Separate from Enhanced STAR, SCHE is an optional local exemption adopted by most counties, towns, and school districts. It can reduce assessed value by up to 50% for qualifying seniors — worth significantly more than Enhanced STAR alone.
Eligibility for 2026
- Age 65 or older
- Combined household income not exceeding $58,399 for the full 50% exemption, with tiered reductions up to approximately $66,000 for partial benefit (exact thresholds vary by locality)
- Primary residence owned at least 12 months
Who must adopt it
Each local taxing authority must separately adopt SCHE, so benefits vary widely by municipality. File with your local assessor annually on form RP-467.
Stacking with Enhanced STAR
Yes — eligible homeowners can receive both SCHE (reduces assessed value for county, town, and school tax) and Enhanced STAR (reduces school tax only). Combined, these programs can eliminate more than half of a senior's total property tax bill.
Disabled Homeowners Exemption and Veterans' Exemptions
Disabled Homeowners Exemption
Similar structure to SCHE: up to 50% reduction in assessed value for homeowners with qualifying disability (typically defined as eligibility for SSD, SSI, or similar programs). Same income tiers; must be adopted locally.
Veterans' Exemptions
New York offers three veterans' programs:
- Alternative Veterans Exemption: 15% reduction for wartime service, plus 10% for combat service, plus additional for service-connected disability
- Cold War Veterans Exemption: 15% reduction for service between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991
- Eligible Funds Veterans Exemption: legacy program based on specific pension funds
Each must be adopted by the locality. Maximum exemption caps also vary by locality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STAR in New York?
The School Tax Relief program. Basic STAR reduces school district taxable value by $30,000 for owner-occupants with income up to $500,000. Enhanced STAR (seniors 65+, income up to $98,700 for 2026) provides a larger reduction. Register at tax.ny.gov/star — new applicants receive the STAR credit as a state check.
Can I stack SCHE with Enhanced STAR?
Yes. SCHE reduces assessed value for county, town, and school tax (up to 50% for seniors 65+ with income under approximately $58,399). Enhanced STAR further reduces school tax (income limit $98,700 for 2026). Combined, these can reduce a senior's total property tax by more than half. SCHE must be adopted by your locality; Enhanced STAR is statewide.
Now check your county's actual rate
Exemptions reduce the taxable amount — but the millage your county charges is what determines the bill. See the 2026 effective rate for every New York county.
Browse New York Counties → Read the full New York guideNY Department of Taxation and Finance — STAR Resource Center · NY Department of Taxation and Finance — Property Tax Relief Credits · NYC Department of Finance — Property Tax · NYC Tax Commission — Property Tax Appeal · NY Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) · Nassau County Assessment Review Commission. Exemption amounts and filing deadlines verified against the 2025-2026 legislative sessions and official state publications. Always verify with your local assessor before filing — programs change annually. This page is informational and is not tax or legal advice.