LEGISLATURE PROPOSES INCREASE TO COUNTY PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS
Proposals for Senior Citizen and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Members of the Republican Caucus of the Dutchess County Legislature have introduced local laws that would raise the income limits on two County property tax exemptions – the Senior Citizens Exemption and Persons with Disabilities Exemption.
Current County Law, for both the Senior Citizens Exemption and Persons with Disabilities Exemption, states that the maximum annual income to receive a 50% County Assessed Value Exemption is $29,000, but under the proposed local law the income level would be raised to $35,000 for the 2025 tax bill and to $37,000 for the 2026 tax bill. The sliding scales for both exemptions would be adjusted appropriately, incrementally the exemption would decrease by 5% until reaching a homeowner reached $43,400 at which point they would no longer be eligible.
“Inflation and the rising cost of living has hurt all of us across our communities, no one has felt it harder than our seniors and people with disabilities living on a fixed income,” said Gregg Pulver, Chairman of the Dutchess County Legislature. “Dutchess County has a proven record of delivering relief to its residents, and this proposal is no different. The Republican Caucus is committed to putting more money in the pockets of our residents unlike New York State whose solution is to increase taxes across the board.”
“I am proud to support legislation that would help keep seniors in their homes and make their cost of living just a little bit easier,” said Legislator Ed Hauser. “It has become harder and harder to stretch your dollar, and for those on a fixed income, it presents tremendous challenges. As inflation has caused the cost of almost everything to rise, it makes sense that the income eligibility also increases, so that more individuals are able to take advantage of this cost saving measure. After passing the veterans property tax exemption, eliminating the sales tax clothing and shoe purchases of under $110, and the new proposal for property tax exemptions for local volunteer firefighters, the Republican Caucus has proven that relief is a top priority, and will continue to be.”
“Every corner of our County is feeling the effects of inflation and people are working to balance their budget and make ends meet,” said Legislator Faye Garito. “As the Chair of the Family and Human Services Committee, I know all too well the challenges that our communities are facing, which is why I am proud to be a part of a caucus that prioritizes offering relief to its residents, especially our seniors who have given so much to our localities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this proposal.”
Last year, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law legislation that would raise the maximum income property owners over the age of 65 and people with disabilities would be able to earn in order to receive the County Property Tax Exemption, allowing municipalities to amend their local laws to also reflect the increase.
The proposed local law will be introduced to the Legislature at the February Board Meeting on February 14, 2023. and will be added to the agenda for the March Legislative Meeting. The Local Law will first be considered and voted on at the Government Services & Administration Committee on March 9, 2023.
