Dear Property Owner:
New York State Real Property Tax law section 458-b provides a limited exemption from real property taxes for real property and 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 Cold War Veterans exemption, you must be a veteran who rendered military service during a designated time.
Designated time of during the Cold War:
• September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991
Must have either:
1. Been honorably discharged or released from service; or
2. Received a letter from the NYS DVS stating that the veteran now meets the character of discharge criteria for all the benefits and services listed in the Restoration of Honor Act
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:
Please complete the attached RP-458-b 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.
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