(Plus a Recap of Key 2025 News for Nassau County Homeowners)
2025 was an important year for Nassau County property taxes. Some developments brought welcome relief, while others highlighted the urgency for homeowners to take control of their rising property tax bills during a period of broader increases in living costs.
Here’s what happened, and what it means for you in 2026.
SALT Deduction Restored for 2025
The federal tax reform bill signed into law July 4, 2025 contained a provision raising the SALT (State and Local Tax) exemption from $10,000 to $40,000. Because so many Nassau County homeowners were severely impacted by the old $10,000 limit, this is welcome news. Please be aware that this benefit will only be realized if a homeowner itemizes deductible expenses on IRS Form 1040 Schedule, so make sure you itemize when it comes to filling out your 2025 federal taxes!
Budget Announced with No Property Tax Hike
Another welcome development came in July, when County Executive Bruce Blakeman put forward a $4.2 billion budget that refrains from raising property taxes for the fourth year in a row. Approved by the Nassau County Legislature in October, the new budget is currently awaiting approval by NIFA (the Nassau Interim Finance Authority), the state-appointed panel overseeing the county’s fiscal health.
Home Ownership Costs Continue to Rise
The cost of homeownership in Nassau County has climbed steadily in recent years, driven by a combination of rising homeowners insurance premiums, elevated maintenance and utility costs, and some of the highest property taxes in the country. Coastal storm risk and increasing rebuilding expenses have pushed insurance rates upward, while everyday costs of upkeep continue to outpace inflation. For many families, these converging pressures mean that owning a home in Nassau County requires more financial flexibility than ever before, making it essential for homeowners to manage every controllable expense wisely.
Property Taxes Remain Key Concern for Nassau County Residents
In November, Newsday surveyed Long Island homeowners on the topic of property taxes, revealing widespread concerns about their impact on the total costs of homeownership along with concerns about how well Nassau County’s property tax assessment system works. According to the article, “About 96% of respondents said they were concerned about the long-term affordability of owning a home on Long Island due to property tax increases, including 65% who responded they were extremely concerned.” 43 percent characterized the Nassau County property tax system as “inaccurate and outdated,”; another 34% responded it was “somewhat accurate but inefficient.”
What Homeowners Should Do in 2026
Because the total cost of owning and operating a home in Nassau County continues to rise, homeowners are looking for every legitimate way to protect their budgets. Property taxes remain one of the largest and most volatile components of that burden, and navigating Nassau County’s complex assessment system is no easy task.
Filing a property tax grievance is a must, but homeowners should make sure they are taking full advantage of all exemptions for which they may qualify in the current tax year. Nassau County offers several programs that can meaningfully reduce tax bills; exemptions worth reviewing include:
Basic STAR & Enhanced STAR
The STAR (School Tax Relief) program remains one of the most widely used tax savings tools for New York homeowners.
- Basic STAR is available to owner-occupied primary residences with income below the state’s annual threshold.
- Enhanced STAR provides a larger benefit for homeowners 65 and older who meet income limits.
Most Nassau County residents now receive STAR as a state income tax credit, but newly eligible homeowners must still register to receive it.
Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption (Aged Exemption)
Separate from Enhanced STAR, Nassau County offers a Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens with incomes below local program limits. This exemption can reduce the assessed value of the home by a significant percentage.
Veterans Exemptions
Qualifying veterans may be eligible for:
- Alternative Veterans Exemption
- Cold War Veterans Exemption
Both can substantially reduce school and general taxes. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Disability Exemption
Homeowners with documented disabilities, and incomes below the applicable threshold, may qualify for additional reductions. The Disability Exemption is separate from STAR and other senior programs.
Volunteer Firefighter & Ambulance Worker Exemptions
Recognizing the service of local volunteers, Nassau County jurisdictions continue to offer partial exemptions for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who meet residency and service requirements.
Home Improvement Exemption
Nassau County continues to offer a partial, temporary exemption on the increased assessment resulting from certain home improvements. This program helps homeowners upgrade without facing an immediate property tax spike.
Interested in filing for one of these exemptions? Don’t wait. Exemption Applications for the 2026-27 Property Tax Year must be received by January, 2nd, 2026.
Maidenbaum: Your Partner in Reducing Your 2026 Property Tax Burden
These exemption programs can make a real difference, but understanding eligibility rules, filing deadlines, and how exemptions interact with your assessment can be complicated. That’s where Maidenbaum provides meaningful relief. As the original tax-reducing company on Long Island, Maidenbaum brings decades of experience, institutional knowledge, and a proven process to help ensure homeowners never pay more than their fair share.
If you want to make sure you’re not paying more than you should, contact Maidenbaum today and let the original leader handle your Nassau County property tax challenge with confidence and care.
Have more questions about how Maidenbaum can save you money? Give us a call at 516-336-8622—we’d love to hear from you!