As we all know, Nassau County’s property taxes are among the highest in the nation. Fortunately, there are numerous exemption programs that can reduce your property tax liability; the bad news is that the deadlines for applying for them are fast approaching. So don’t delay – participating in these programs can save you a lot of money but you may have to hunt around for documents demonstrating your eligibility to participate in them. Take some time now (in between shopping, family and holiday preparations) to make sure you don’t miss out!
Property Tax Exemptions to Be Aware of for January 2025
The month of January 2025 – which brings with it a slew of deadlines relating to important property tax exemptions – will soon be upon us. The following exemptions – all of which are subject to the January 2, 2025 deadline for the 2025/26 tax year – include:
- STAR (School Tax Assessment Relief) Program
Taking advantage of the STAR Program can reduce your School tax bill, either by way of receipt of the STAR credit check or an exemption on your tax bill, so make sure you’re registered for it. STAR consists of two separate sub-programs: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR. Basic STAR is open to the primary residence of any New York State resident, regardless of age. If your annual household income is $500,000 or less, you qualify for Basic STAR. Enhanced STAR offers a greater savings for owners over the age of 65 provided their annual household income is under $107,300. As you can see, if you’re not registered for STAR, you might be missing out. If you did in the past register for STAR, rest easy: you only have to register once, and the NY Tax Department will send you a STAR credit check each year, or apply the exemption off your School tax bill, for as long as you remain eligible. Keep in mind that if you transfer ownership of your home in any way, you will have to re-register. For more information and to register for either Basic of Enhanced STAR, visit: https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/ - Exemptions for Veterans
U.S. Veterans who reside in Nassau County and have been honorably discharged may qualify for a veterans’ property tax exemption. This benefit also extends to their surviving un-remarried spouses, dependent parents and dependent children. Eligible veterans can receive up to a 15% reduction on their property tax bills for the County, Town and Village portions, with an additional 10% reduction for service in a combat area. For disabled veterans, additional exemptions depend on the degree of service-related disability. (Note that school tax exemptions are only available in districts that choose to opt in.) For more information on Exemptions for Veterans, visit: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/37515/2025-26-Veterans-Brochure-5-1-2024?bidId= - Further Exemptions for Senior Citizens
In addition to Enhanced STAR, Nassau County can also opt to grant a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying senior citizens through the Senior Citizens Exemption program. This is accomplished by reducing the taxable assessment of the senior’s home by as much as 50%. In Nassau County the income threshold is $58,399. Check with your local municipality, village or city, to see whether this exemption is offered. Please keep in mind that this exemption must be renewed every year. For more information on the Senior Citizens Exemption program, visit: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/37514/2025-26-Senior-Citizens-Brochure-5-1-2024?bidId= - Exemptions for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers
Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in Nassau County who have served for at least two years may qualify for a 10% reduction in the assessed value of their property for General tax purposes. (Until 2023, the requirement was five years of service). If their local school district has adopted this benefit, the exemption may also apply to School taxes. Please keep in mind that this exemption must be renewed every year. For more information on this program, visit: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/37516/2025-26-Volunteer-Brochure-5-1-2024?bidId= - Exemptions for People with Limited Income and Disabilities
Nassau County residents with disabilities who have limited income may qualify for a property tax exemption of up to a 50% reduction in the residence’s assessed value, provided they meet the criteria set by their locality. Check with the Nassau County Department of Assessment to learn about whether you qualify for this exemption; if you do, you’ll need to provide proof of income of less than $58,399 and other documents deemed necessary to prove disability. Please keep in mind that this exemption must be renewed every year. For more information on this program, visit: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/37693/2025-26-LID-Brochure-5-1-2024?bidId=
Maidenbaum is Here to Help
We know that the period leading up to January is typically a busy one, with holidays, shopping and family responsibilities likely to consume a lot of your time. But we urge you to prioritize getting your documents in order and filing for your potential exemptions before the January 2nd deadline. Once you’ve filed your application, you should make an effort to confirm with the Department of Assessment that they have everything they need to process it. You can reach their office by calling (516) 571-1500 or via the website at: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/assessor/
As always, Maidenbaum is here to answer any questions you might have about your Nassau County property tax bills. We believe that filing a property tax grievance in Nassau County is a prudent first step to take in the process of reducing these bills, and we hope that you’ll choose Maidenbaum to represent you for the 2026/27 tax year.