KINGSTON, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein has signed into law legislation that permanently extends real property tax exemptions available to Ulster County Cold War Veterans. The legislation, which the Ulster County Legislature unanimously passed, continues Ulster County’s recognition and commitment to Veterans for their service to the country.
A recent change to State Law gives local governments and school districts the option to permanently continue the Cold War Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption, which until now had to be renewed at the local level every two years. The Cold War Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption was first enacted by Ulster County in 2008, and was enhanced in 2012 as part of a comprehensive initiative advanced by County Executive Hein to provide property tax relief to Veterans, seniors and first time home buyers. Currently, all Real Property Tax exemptions available to Ulster County Veterans are set at the maximum amount allowed by New York State Law.
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein
“Ensuring that this property tax exemption is the maximum amount allowable and permanent is the right thing to do for our Cold War Veterans,” said County Executive Mike Hein. They have served with tremendous bravery and made great sacrifices to protect our country. This legislation, is but a small step in letting them know that Ulster County will always be there for them.”
James F. Maloney, Ulster County Legislator
“I’m pleased that New York State has removed the sunset clause for Cold War Veterans,” said Ulster County Legislator James Maloney, who sponsored the legislation. “I am proud to be able to do this for our veterans as they have done so much for us.”
Jonathan Heppner, Ulster County Legislator
"It is important that the Legislature was able to come together to make permanent this property tax exemption for Cold War Veterans. These men and women served during a very troubling and scary time in our nation's history and I thank them for their service,” said Ulster County Legislator Jonathan Heppner. “I commend both Legislator James Maloney for introducing this legislation, which I was proud to co-sponsor, and Executive Hein for signing it."
Under the new law, honorably discharged Cold War Veterans who served in the armed forces from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991 are eligible to a Real Property exemption equal to 15% of the assessed value of their property (not to exceed $45,000), pursuant to RPTL sec. 458-b(2)(a)(ii). The law also provides an additional exemption of up to $150,000 for Veterans who have suffered a military service-related disability.
The law is effective immediately and provides the maximum exemption allowable under New York State Real Property Tax Law, and will apply to a taxable status on or after January 1, 2018.
