Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption
15% exemption on assessed value for wartime veterans (max $12,000 base, $8,000 combat, $40,000 disability — totals capped per municipality).
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Tax Benefits — New York
- Who it's for
- Veterans, Survivors
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- New York
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption?
Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption is a New York tax benefits benefit for veterans, survivors. 15% exemption on assessed value for wartime veterans (max $12,000 base, $8,000 combat, $40,000 disability — totals capped per municipality).
Who qualifies
- Available to any veteran
- Honorable discharge required
- New York residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Wartime veteran with honorable discharge who owns qualifying residential property in a municipality that has adopted this exemption. Open to veterans of all disability ratings. Gold Star parents and surviving spouses may also qualify.
Covers (each subject to its own statutory dollar cap):
- Base wartime: 15% of assessed value, capped at $12,000 (or $12,000 times the latest state equalization rate)
- Combat zone bonus: additional 10% (total 25%), capped at $8,000 (or equivalent equalized)
- Service-connected disability: additional reduction equal to one-half of the SC disability rating percentage applied to assessed value, capped at $40,000 (or equivalent equalized)
Each municipality may set its own maximum dollar caps within these limits.
What Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption covers
Limitations
Municipality must have opted in. A veteran may only receive ONE of the three NY veterans property tax exemptions (Alternative 458-a, Cold War 458-b, OR Eligible Funds) — they are NOT combinable with each other.
How to apply for Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption
How to apply
File Form RP-458-a with your local assessor by the taxable status date (typically March 1). Provide DD-214, proof of wartime service, and VA disability letter if applicable.
Verified information & sources
Last verified: May 12, 2026
Official source: tax.ny.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Frequently asked questions about Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Who qualifies for Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption?▾
How do I apply for Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption?▾
Where can I verify Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption?▾
Other New York Tax Benefits
Eligible Funds Property Tax Exemption
Property tax exemption (base $5,000; may be higher after a municipal "change in level of assessment") based on the portion of purchase price paid with eligible funds such as veteran's pension, bonus, insurance, mustering-out pay, or POW compensation.
Base $5,000 exemption (may be increased by jurisdiction)
Disability Add-On to Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Disability rating-based ADDITIONAL property tax exemption on top of the wartime/combat tiers under RPTL Section 458-a (max 75% combined).
Up to 75% combined exemption (with caps)
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