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Tax Exemptions

New York State has made available many property tax exemptions. The number of these exemptions has increased dramatically since the 1980's. Several property tax exemptions are subject to local option. This means that the local Town, County, and School Districts must adopt participation in that particular exemption. The most common exemptions available in the Town of Cortlandville include: Agricultural Land exemption, Agricultural Building exemptions, STAR, Senior Citizens exemptions, Veterans exemption, Exemption for persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes, and Commercial/Industrial Business exemptions.

STAR PROGRAM

Simplifying STAR

DISABILITIES AND LIMITED INCOMES 

An exemption for those people under 64 years old that have been declared disabled and have a total income below $27,900. (This exemption does not apply to all taxing jurisdictions; income limits vary between taxing jurisdictions.)

To be eligible, you must submit one of the following:
• An award letter from the Social Security Administration of your entitlement to social security disability insurance or supplemental security income (SSI);
  • An award letter from the Railroad Retirement Board of your entitlement to railroad retirement disability benefits;
  • A certificate from the New York State Commission for the Blind stating you are legally blind;
  • An award letter from the United States Postal Service certifying your disability pension;
  • An award letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs certifying your disability pension; or
  • An order from the Workers’ Compensation Board awarding compensation for a permanent total disability or permanent partial disability.

SENIOR CITIZENS OR AGED

The Senior Citizens or Aged exemption is for those individuals over 65 years old with certain limited incomes. The property must be the owner's primary residence. Income is based on yearly gross incomes including Social Security, wages, interest on savings, dividends, etc. The exemption is applied to Town, County and School taxes. A qualifying property owner can receive a Senior Citizens and STAR exemption. Maximum incomes allowed for a reduction in assessed value are:

Town of Cortlandville

$30,699

Cortland County

$21,199

Cortland School District

$14,699

Homer School District

$16,199

McGraw School District

$16,199

Dryden School District

$27,899

Senior Exemption

VETERANS 

The Veterans exemption is for veterans who served full time active duty for at least 6 months of active duty other than active duty for training. This exemption is usually not for reservists.  The exemption is applied to Town and County taxes as well as some Village taxes. The Veterans exemption does not apply to school taxes. There is an additional exemption if the individual served in a combat zone, which will be determined by certain medals received by the veteran. Lastly, there is an additional exemption if the individual was awarded a service-connected disability. This additional exemption equals a maximum of $20,000 in assessed value. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Assessment Office at (607) 756-7306.