Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Mid Hudson) has authored a bill that would clear up language in the real property tax code to ensure all combat veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan are getting the property tax breaks that they’re entitled to (A. 8281). The oversight in this language was recently discovered by the attorney general.

“There are veterans in our state who -- due to ambiguous language in the law -- were not getting the tax break that they are entitled to,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “While some county and town clerks were processing the claims correctly, this legislation will correct this loophole and end any confusion about how to implement this tax exemption.”

A section of the current law suggests that veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are ineligible for these benefits. The tax break for all veterans is equal to 15 percent of the assessed value of their residential property, but 25 percent for combat war veterans. Lack of clarity resulted in confusion on the part of some local tax officials across the state. As a result, in some cases veterans were wrongfully denied this tax benefit. Assemblymember Barrett’s bill amends the language of the real property tax law to specifically include combat veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, eliminating confusion and ensuring that veterans are given the benefit that they’re entitled to.

“We are proud that New York is home to almost a million veterans, including nearly 20,000 veterans and their families who live right here in Dutchess and Columbia counties,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “These numbers are going to rise as our two wars continue to wind down. As a member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs committee, I am committed to making sure these heroes are getting every benefit they deserve.”