Exemptions

 STAR

The New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR) provides homeowners with two types of benefits from school property taxes.  If you earn less than $500,000 and own and live in your home, you may be eligible for a STAR benefit.

**For up to date information on STAR exemptions/credit checks (click here)**

Senior Citizen Exemption

Local governments and school districts in New York State can opt to grant a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying senior citizens.  This is accomplished by reducing the taxable assessment of the senior's home by as much as 50%.  To qualify, seniors generally must be 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limitations and other requirements.

For additional information and an application, please click here.

To view Columbia County's maximum income limits, please click here.

Veteran Exemptions

There are three different property tax exemptions available to veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including veterans who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

For additional information and an application, please click here.

To view Columbia County's Alternative Veteran Exemptions, please click here.

To view Columbia County's Cold War Veteran Exemptions, please click here.

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To view the School Districts that allow Veteran Exemptions, please click here.

Agricultural Assessments, Farm Building Exemptions & Forest

Agricultural land can be eligible for an "agricultural assessment" to provide property tax relief to the property owner.  Certain types of farm buildings are eligible for temporary or permanent Property tax exemptions.  

For additional information and an application, please click here.

Exemption for Persons with Disabilities

​Local governments and school districts in New York State can opt to grant a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying persons with disabilities.  To qualify, persons with disabilities generally must have certain documented evidence of their disability and meet certain income limitations and other requirements.

For additional information and an application, ​please click here.

To view Columbia County's maximum income limits, please click here.

Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters & Ambulance Workers

​NYS Real Property Tax Law 466-A-2, signed in 2022, enables local governments and school districts in New York State to opt to grant a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying volunteers.  The law allows for a maximum exemption of 10% of the assessed value, on the volunteers primary residence.  To qualify, volunteers must meet certain requirements specified by NYS and Local Law.  The application must also be certified by the authority having jurisdiction for the incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or voluntary ambulance service.

For additional information on 466-A-2, ​please click here.

For an application, ​please click here.

For a list of Towns, School Districts, and Fire Districts / Fire Protection Districts that adopted 466-A-2, ​please click here.

Most exemptions are offered by local option of the taxing jurisdiction (municipality, county or school district). 

Check with your assessor to determine what exemptions are available in your community.