Poughkeepsie, NY… As Dutchess County continues to honor local veterans this week for Veterans Day, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino is introducing legislation for Dutchess County to provide permanently and totally disabled veterans with a full County property tax exemption, offering financial relief to local veterans who have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country.
“The men and women who sustained permanent and total disabilities in military service made extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our country and they have earned our gratitude and support,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “By providing this full property tax exemption, we are providing meaningful support to help ease a significant financial burden. This exemption honors their sacrifice, helps protect their homes, and sends a clear message that their service will never be forgotten."
The local law would allow eligible permanently and totally disabled veterans to receive a full County property tax exemption as authorized under New York Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) § 458-a(11). The exemption is a local option and must be adopted by each taxing jurisdiction.
Under the law, eligible veterans must satisfy all requirements of New York's Alternative Veterans Exemption program and provide documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs specifically stating that they are considered permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service. The exemption applies only to a veteran's primary residence.
Eligible veterans will be required to file Form RP-458-a with their municipal assessor by the applicable taxable status date and provide documentation confirming their permanent and total disability status from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs can help veterans review the necessary documentation and direct them to their local assessor, as final eligibility determinations are made by local assessors.
"The veterans who qualify for this exemption have made sacrifices that continue long after their military service ended. We see firsthand the impact those sacrifices have on the veterans we work with every day. This exemption is a recognition of that sacrifice and a commitment to helping them achieve greater security and peace of mind at home,” said Dutchess County Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche. "We look forward to the Legislature’s adoption of this exemption and encourage eligible veterans to connect with our office so we can help them understand the eligibility criteria and walk them through the application process and necessary documentation."
County Executive Serino is submitting the proposed local law to the Dutchess County Legislature for consideration at the December board meeting. Once adopted, signed and filed with New York State, the local law will apply to the 2027 assessment roll for January 2028 property tax bills. Veterans would need to apply with their local assessor by March 1st, 2027.
Additional information about eligibility requirements and the application process will be made available through the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs once the law has been fully finalized.
Additional information about the many programs and services available to veterans in Dutchess County is available by visiting www.dutchessny.gov/veterans or contacting the Office of Veterans Affairs at 845-486-2060.
Join County Executive Sue Serino and the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony tomorrow, November 11th, at 11am at the Dutchess County War Memorial located at the intersection of Main Street and Raymond Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
