Zebrowski & Carlucci Introduce Bill to Automatically Renew Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors and People with Disabilities

New City, NY – Lawmakers are working to prevent our most vulnerable from visiting their local tax assessor's office in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski and Senator David Carlucci introduced legislation to automatically renew property tax exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, protecting our communities' most vulnerable remains paramount," said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski."Over the course of this public health crisis, we've worked to put health first, and this legislation is no exception. Allowing seniors and individuals with disabilities to automatically renew this exemption ensures their safety while maintaining critical tax relief."

"We fought in New York State to deliver real property tax relief to seniors and people with disabilities, but not at the expense of their health," said Senator David Carlucci. "With this legislation, our most vulnerable will not lose the vital income they need to stay in their homes or risk exposing themselves to COVID-19. The legislation changes the law to automatically renew their exemption without having to provide paperwork that has likely not changed."

The New York State Assessors Association echoed lawmakers' concerns, and said now is the time most individuals go to their Assessors' office, even though towns mail out renewal tax exemption applications. Assessors say many residents tend to return the application in person.

Currently, seniors, 65 and older and people with disabilities who make less than $37,399.99 per year can qualify for a real property tax exemption for up to half of their municipal tax bill. The measure passed originally to help low income residents stay in their homes. People who receive a property tax exemption can return their renewal form by mail by the end of January.