Some New York State Veterans Unaware They're Eligible for Property Tax Exemption

by Stephanie Colombini | 11/07/2013 | 4:41pm

Some New York State Veterans Unaware They're Eligible for Property Tax Exemption

Confusing legislation causes some modern-day veterans to miss out on applying for help they need.
For several years, New York State has been offering military veterans tax exemptions on their property.  But the legislation's confusing language has left some veterans feeling left out.
 
Danylo Rakowsky spent thirteen months serving in Iraq.  Three years ago, he bought a home in Brooklyn.  And because he served in a combat zone, Rakowsky was eligible for a twenty-five percent exemption on the assessed property value of his home.  But he says time and time again, he was told by others, including his coop manager, 311 assistants, and even city council members, that his generation of veterans was not eligible for help. 
 
"There's a special kind of frustration having a tool and not knowing how to use it."
 
New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman joined Rakowsky last week to explain that modern-day vets are indeed included.  Schneiderman says the confusion exists because only conflicts through the Persian Gulf War are listed in current regulations.  But the Persian Gulf War's supposed to extend to all current conflicts in the Middle East. Schneiderman says it's ridiculous these soldiers don't what they're owed.  
 
"Given all of the sacrifices they make for us, this is the least we can do for them."
 
He says the state's reaching out to county finance departments and veterans groups to clarify the regulations so that all New York veterans get the help they need.  Schneiderman's also introduced legislation that would extend these propety tax benefits to active-duty service members and their families.  He says he hopes the new legislation will pass in next year's session.  

Weekdays at Noon

Ticket Giveaways from WFUV