- By Dan Veaner
- News
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"New York State dictates what exemptions may be permitted by different types of taxing authorities for certain classes of citizens," explained Town Attorney Guy Krogh at the January Town Board meeting. "For example, there are discounts for the elderly, disabled citizens discounts. The Legislature has passed a cold war veterans exemption."
Both the Town and Village of Lansing already have tax exemptions for combat veterans. This new classification adds those who served during the cold war period, rather than in actual combat in wars such as World War II, Korea, or Viet Nam. Krogh explained that the Tompkins County Legislature has encouraged the towns to consider the new exemption. He said there are six levels of exemption that the Town could adopt.
Krogh said Town officials had chosen to honor these veterans with the maximum allowed exemption level. This would allow for either a 15% or $12,000 (whichever is less) reduction in the taxable value for the Town of Lansing tax purposes only. Krogh said that the wives of deceased veterans are also eligible for the exemption.
The exemption is not automatic. Qualifying veterans must apply to the county assessment department before the end of February. "All new applications for this exemption must be filed with the Tompkins County Department of Assessment by March 1," says Tompkins County Assessment Department's Jay Franklin. "This exemption does not need to be renewed each year but the exemption is limited to 10 years. If a veteran is already receiving the Alternative Veterans Exemption, they cannot receive this exemption also."
Franklin says that his department has made the application available online .
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