As of 2024, the federal homestead exemption is $27,900 for an individual and $55,800 for married couples filing jointly. In contrast, New York's exemption amounts are: $179,950 for the counties of Kings, Queens, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam.
To be eligible for SCHE, you must be 65 or older, earn no more than $58,399 for the last calendar year, and the property must be your primary residence. The exemption must be renewed every two years. Learn more and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Property tax benefits Cooperative and Condominium Tax Abatement. Senior Citizen Homeowners' Exemption (SCHE) ... Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) for landlords. Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) for tenants. School Tax Relief (STAR) Program. Non-profit exemptions.
Specifically, homestead laws allow individuals to declare a portion of their property as "homestead" and therefore protected from a forced sale. Under New York's homestead protection law, the amount property owners may declare exempt varies based on county location and range from $75,000 to $150,000.
Homestead exemptions primarily work by reducing your home value in the eyes of the tax assessor. So if you qualify for a $50,000 exemption and your home is worth $200,000, then you will be taxed as if your home is worth only $150,000.
Exemption applications must be filed with your local assessor's office. See our Municipal Profiles for your local assessor's mailing address. Do not file any exemption applications with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance or with the Office of Real Property Tax Services.
To apply for the Enhanced STAR exemption, submit this application and Form RP-425-E, Application for the Enhanced STAR Exemption to your assessor. You must also provide proof of income as described on the above forms.
To qualify for an exemption that begins on July 1, you must be 65 or older by the following December 31. If you co-own your property with a spouse or sibling, only one of you needs to be 65 or older. For other co-ownerships such as a parent and children, all owners must be 65 or older.