Cold War Veterans Blog

Cold War Veterans Tax Exemption Takes Effect

Veterans in the town of Ellicott and villages of Celoron and Falconer are now able to lower property taxes through the Cold War Veterans Tax Exemption.

The Cold War Veterans exemption is an addition to two previously available tax exemptions. The Eligible Funds Exemption provides a partial exemption on property owned by a veteran or other designated persons, who purchased the property with pension, bonus or insurance money. The Alternative Veteran's Exemption applies only to veterans residential property who served during wartime or received an expeditionary medal.

Now, a third local law unanimously passed by the Chautauqua County Legislature will allow municipalities to provide the option for tax exemptions to Cold War Veterans.

Marsha Painter, town of Ellicott assessor, suggests that each veteran bring their discharge papers and disability rating when contacting their assessor's office to make sure they have all the benefits they are entitled to.

''They have earned this type of exemption by serving in the military. Our office would be happy to help them fill out the forms,'' Painter said.

In order to be eligible for the Cold War Veteran's Tax Exemption, the veteran must not already receive the eligible funds or alternative veteran's exemption. Other eligibility requirements for the Cold War Veteran's Tax Exemption include:

Available only to veterans who served active duty, excluding training, in the United States Armed Forces between Sept. 2, 1945 and Dec. 26, 1991.

The legal title of the property must be in the name of the veteran, the spouse of the veteran if the surviving spouse hasn't remarried, or both the veteran and spouse.

Exemptions may be combined if the property is owned by more than one qualified owner.

The property must be exclusively used for residential purposes and must be the primary residence of a Cold War Veteran, the spouse of the veteran if the surviving spouse hasn't remarried, unless that person is absent from the property due to medical reasons or be institutionalized.

If a portion of the property is used for non-residential purposes, the exemption will apply only to that portion of the property used exclusively for residential purposes. For example, a two-family home where the veteran owner resides downstairs and rents out the other apartment.

The percentage amount of the Cold War Veteran's Tax Exemption passed by the county is 15 percent, with a maximum of $6,000.

For the Cold War Disabled Veteran, the percentage amount passed is 50 percent of disability with a maximum of $20,000.

All exemption forms must be filed by March 1. If the veteran files by this date and qualifies, the first exemption will be on the 2010 county taxes.

The Cold War Veteran's Tax Exemption is good for a period of 10 years.

The Cold War Veteran's Tax Exemption is not granted for special ad valorem levies and special assessments.

Forms can be found online at www.orps.state.ny.us or at the assessor's office.