The New York City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on legislation that would fully exempt the primary residences of eligible permanently and totally disabled veterans from property taxes.
The proposal could benefit approximately 4,500 veteran households, according to its sponsor, Council Member Frank Morano. He estimated that the measure would reduce city tax revenue by less than $5 million.
The legislation would apply to veterans who meet eligibility requirements under New York State law. Alongside property taxes, qualifying homes would be exempt from certain special district charges and assessments.
New York State has already authorized local governments to offer the exemption, but the city must adopt its own legislation before eligible homeowners can receive the additional relief. New York City currently provides partial property tax exemptions to qualifying veterans.
The measure is part of a broader package announced Wednesday to mark Veterans Day. Other proposals would require annual reporting on veterans’ access to city-run Mitchell-Lama housing and establish a permanent LGBTQ+ liaison within the Department of Veterans’ Services.
Council leaders presented the package as an effort to improve housing affordability and access to benefits for former service members. The property tax exemption remains subject to the legislative process; the scheduled vote does not mean the benefit is already available.
