Assemblyman Lavine Sponsors Bill to Exempt Vet’s from Tax on Rental Fees

August 6, 2013

Glen Cove, NY – Veterans’ organizations that rent portions of their facilities to outside groups for events and programs, could be entitled a property tax exemption on the rental fee under legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Charles Lavine. The bill, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo this week, amends the real property tax law to authorize municipalities to extend the tax exemptions granted to veterans’ groups to the rental portion of their property that is subject to local taxes.

“Veterans’ organizations, which traditionally are granted property tax exemptions, must pay local taxes when they rent part of their facility to outside groups that do not have tax exempt status,” explained Assemblyman Lavine. “Veteran posts are an essential part of our community. Many community, charitable, and educational organizations hold functions that benefit the community as a whole. The money paid to rent the posts can help these posts to remain solvent at a time when property taxes are threatening their financial viability.”

Assemblyman Lavine’s law provides local governments the option to exempt these veterans’ organizations from the property taxes they must pay when groups that do not have tax exempt status rent part of their facility.

In Nassau County, veterans receive a property tax exemption based on the service they rendered. While it exempts them from county and town taxes, they are still required to pay special district and school taxes. In villages and cities, such as Glen Cove, taxes are exempted at local option. Assemblyman Lavine previously wrote the law that allowed Nassau County Cold War veterans to be entitled to that same type of property tax exemption.

“Veterans’ organizations fought to enact such a law for many years,” said Assemblyman Lavine. “I am very gratified that I was able to write a bill that could pass unanimously in both the Assembly and the Senate and see it signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The Assembly passed my bill in 2012 only to see it die in the Senate. We all appreciate the Senate deciding to pass the bill in 2013. Protecting the interests of those who have served our nation must continue to remain our priority.”

What's New