Tax breaks are available to county residents

Nassau County residents have a plethora of tax breaks available, but few take advantage of them. That was the message county Receiver of Taxes Donald X. Clavin, Jr. brought to Island Park on Dec. 4th at the Island Park Library and Dec. at the Oceanside Library.

Veterans have several exemptions, one for residents who served in active duty in the Armed Forces during recognized war periods, an additional exemption is available if you have a service connected disability, and there is a Cold War Veteran’s Exemption for vets who served and saw combat between Dec. 1945 and Dec. 1991. In addition spouses, surviving spouses and parents of servicemen and women killed in combat may be eligible for a Veterans Property Tax Exemption.

Residents making home improvements may be eligible for an eight-year decreasing exemption. The improvement must be at least $3,000, have an increased market cap of $80,000 and must be completed before the exemption is granted.

Seniors who are 65 years or older may reduce their property taxes with assessment reductions depending on income. People with disabilities, and those with limited incomes, may receive additional reductions on their assessments as well. The STAR program provides school tax relief from property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences. Homeowners who are 65 years of age or older may qualify for the Enhanced STAR. You must meet income requirements to be eligible for either STAR.

Volunteer firefighters and members of the ambulance corps may also claim various exemptions, including a lifetime exemption if they serve for 20 years and meet residential criteria.