Low-income seniors in Westchester County, New York, could receive a property tax exemption of up to 65% under a new law designed to help older residents remain in their homes.
Here's what to know
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins signed the measure into law, according to Mid Hudson News.
The exemption is available to eligible seniors earning less than $47,000 annually.
The law raises the maximum exemption from 50% to 65%. Qualifying residents, however, are not guaranteed the full exemption.
Mid Hudson News reported that the change applies to the 2027 tax year, starting March 1, 2027.
It covers only the county portion of property taxes, rather than reducing a homeowner's entire property tax liability by 65%.
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More background
New York state changed its law, and Westchester's expanded exemption aligns with those changes.
"Increasing property tax exemptions for Westchester senior citizens is the least we can do to support the people who helped shape our county into the place it is today," Jenkins stated.
Jenkins said the exemptions would help particularly vulnerable county residents remain at home with dignity and offered "meaningful financial relief."
What can be done?
All other applicable eligibility requirements still apply.
Seniors who believe they qualify must submit an application to their local assessor.
For seniors already receiving the exemption, the expanded benefit requires no new application, Mid Hudson News noted.
"Many of our seniors have spent their entire lifetime working here and raising their families here, and they deserve the opportunity to remain here if they choose to," Jenkins said.
Where can I learn more?
Older homeowners elsewhere can also get help with their property taxes. These stories cover senior exemptions, local credits, relief funds, and work-for-tax-reduction programs.
• Texas seniors benefit from school property tax exemptions, with many paying nothing.
• Seniors in Cambridge, Maryland, got a 10% property tax credit against potentially high utility bills.
• Springfield, Massachusetts, opened a $1 million relief fund for seniors and disabled homeowners.
• Older homeowners in eight states can trade town work for property tax reductions of up to $1,500.
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