The deadline to apply for ALL exemptions each year is MAY 1st (no exceptions).

NYS STAR Program:  https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/

Exemptions (General):  https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/index.htm

This NYS link includes links to general information for the following exemptions:

  • Senior Citizens With Limited Income
  • Veterans
  • Persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes
  • Volunteer Fire Fighter & Ambulance Workers

To request exemption applications with instructions specific for the Town, email: ASSESSOR@TOWNOFCORTLANDT.COM

Non-Profit Organizations Click here

For any other exemption questions or information call (914) 734-1040 or email assessor@townofcortlandt.com.  

ALL new or renewal exemption applications are due by May 1, 2025 (no exceptions). 

The most common exemption applications are:

  • ENHANCED STAR EXEMPTION
    • First, you must currently receive Basic STAR as an exemption on your school tax bill; otherwise, you need to apply with New York State directedly (Click here for the NYS STAR Resource Center or call 518-457-2036).
    • You must be turning 65 years of age by December 31, 2025.
    • 2023 Federal Income Tax Return (all pages and back-up) plus proof of age and residency are required for all owners.
    • Total combined household income cannot exceed $107,300.  See application for details.
    • NYS no longer requires renewals for the Enhanced STAR.  They will be verifying your income and will notify us if you are not eligible.
    • Click here for initial application and instruction.

 

  • SENIOR CITIZEN or PERSONS WITH DISABLITIES AND LIMIT INCOME EXEMPTIONS
    • Renewals will be mailed in late February to those who are already receiving the exemption.
    • If you do not receive a renewal application by the end of March, please call or email our office for a replacement form. Do not download the application below.
    • New applicants must be 65 years of age by May 1, 2025. If your birthdate is after May 1, 2025 and you are not yet 65, you will have to apply for the 2026 assessment roll by May 1, 2026.
    • 2024 Federal Income Tax Return (all pages and back-up) plus proof of age and residency are required.
    • The Town/County total combined income limit for the 2025 application is a maximum of $58,399.99 (2024 Federal Adjusted Gross Income “FAGI”). Certain income adjustments may also apply.  School limits may be different.
    • Click here for an Initial Senior Citizen application or call our office (914-734-1040).
    • Click here for an Initial Persons with Disabilities application or call our office (914-734-1040).

 

  • VETERANS EXEMPTION
    • No renewal is required for veterans who are already receiving the exemption; however, if you have a disability rating (new or prior), you must provide a copy of the most recent disability rating letter (usually issued by the Veterans’ Administration in December or January).  This is an annual requirement.
    • For new applications, a DD-214 (Member-4 copy indicating “Honorable Discharge”) is required to confirm ACTIVE duty.  Proof of residency (driver’s license) is required.
    • Click here to determine which Veteran Exemption you may be eligible for based on the Period of War.
    • Click here for an Alternative Veteran’s application.
    • CLICK HERE for a Change in Alternative Veteran Disability rating application. 
    • Click here for a Cold War Veteran’s application.
    • Click here for a Change in Cold War Veteran Disability Rating application.

 

  • VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER & AMBULANCE WORKER EXEMPTIONS
    • The volunteer must be a legal owner of the property.
    • ALL volunteers must apply using New York State’s latest exemption application (Oct/23) that corresponds with the Town’s most recent Local Law. 
    • Volunteers may NOT apply for this exemption if taking the income tax credit on their New York State tax return.
    • Service will be confirmed with the fire house/ambulance corps.
    •  Click here for the application.

 

  • IMPORTANT:  OWNERSHIP IN THE FORM OF A TRUST
    • If you are receiving an exemption (other than Basic STAR) and your property is owned in the name of a Trust, please provide a complete copy of the Trust as soon as possible (if you have not done so already).