Dear Property Owner:
New York State Real Property Tax law section 458-a provides a limited exemption from real property taxes for real property or cooperative shareholders owned by persons who rendered military service for the United States, provided the property meets the requirements set forth in the law.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the Alternative Veterans exemption, you must be a veteran who served during a designated time of war ORwho has received an expeditionary medal.
Designated time of war and expeditionary medals:
- Persian Gulf Conflict (8/2/1990 – present)
- Vietnam War (11/1/1955 – 5/7/1975)
- Korean War (6/27/1950 – 1/31/1955)
- World War II (12/7/1941 – 12/31/1946)
You may also qualify if:
- You received an: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Medal (not Service Medal)
- You served in U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II
- You served during a civilian capacity during World War II in either of the following capacities: American Field Service under U.S. Armies and the U.S. Army Groups or Flight crew and aviation ground support employee of Pan American Airlines’ contract with the Air Transport Command.
Career members of the armed forces:
If you are a member of the armed forces who remains in active service because of one or more reenlistments, you may still be considered a veteran for purposes of this exemption if you:
- Served in active military services for the period of time you were obligated to serve at the time of entry into service;
- Not discharged or released from such service at the time you completed such period of obligation due to an intervening enlistment or reenlistment;
- Would have been eligible for a discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable after completing your period of obligation, yet were not discharged due to an intervening enlistment or reenlistment;
- Served in active military service for at least ten years; and
- Meet all other qualifications.
If you meet all these requirements, you must provide proof, such as reenlistment documents or written statement from your military chain of command, that verifies that you fulfilled your entire contracted term of service and reenlisted, and that you have served for at least ten years. You must also provide proof of times and places served in active duty, if not already included in the documents. However, you do not need to provide a Form DD-214 or other documentation described under Character of Discharge.
Ownership requirements
- Legal title to residential property or cooperative unit must be in the name of the veteran, spouse of the veteran, or the unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran
- Title to residential property or cooperative unit is in the name of a Gold Star Parent (defined as the parent of a child who died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war).
Residency requirements
Property eligible for this exemption must be the primary residence of the veteran, the unremarried surviving of a veteran, or Gold Star Parent, unless that person is absent from the property for medical reasons or is in an institution.
How to apply:
To apply, please complete the RP-458-a exemption application, and attach either:
1. Proof that you were discharged or released from service under honorable conditions (usually Form DD-14); or
2. A letter received from the New York State Department of Veterans Services stating that you now meet the character of discharge criteria for all the benefits and services listed in the Restoration of Honor Act; or
3. If you qualify as a career member of the armed forces, you must provide proof, such as reenlistment documents or written statement from your military chain of command, that verifies that you fulfilled your entire contracted term of service and reenlisted, and that you have served for at least ten years. You must also provide proof of times and places served in active duty, if not already included in the documents.
Vet Disability Requirement:
Submit U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs documents for service-connected disability rating to receive disability benefits portion of exemption.
The deadline to apply for all exemptions is October 15, 2026.
How to submit the exemption application and supporting documentation:
- Mail: City of Yonkers Assessment Department, 40 South Broadway, Rm 100, Yonkers, NY 10701
- Email: assessmentsupport@yonkersny.gov
- Visit City Hall: In-person: 40 South Broadway, Rm 100, Yonkers, NY 10701
If you have any questions about this or any other assessment concerns, please contact the Assessment Department at AssessmentSupport@yonkersny.gov or (914) 377-6200.
Sincerely,
Angela Passiatore
Assessment Clerk Supervisor