Q & A About Home Improvement Property Tax Exemptions

Homeowners are the backbone of Nassau County, and the home improvement industry is an important part of the County's economy.

Therefore, Nassau and its towns are offering an eight-year decreasing exemption from real property taxes to those homeowners who make assessable improvements to their one and two-family houses.

Villages also have the option of adopting this state law. To find out whether your village offers the exemption, you may contact your village assessor or clerk.

Q: What is the Home Improvement Exemption?

A: The Home Improvement Exemption is an eight year decreasing exemption on alterations, reconstructions or improvements that increases the assessed value of a one or two-family home. For the first year of the exemption, 100 percent of the assessed value of the improvement is exempt. In the second year 87.5 percent; in the third year, 75 percent; and so on.

Q: How do I tell whether my home improvement is eligible for the exemption?

A: In order to be eligible, the town or city must have approved a local law offering the exemption and construction must have started after the local law was enacted. By started, we mean the issuance date of the building permit for the improvement.

Only improvements to one and two-family houses are eligible. Eligible houses need not, however, be owner-occupied. The exemption applies only to the house, not to out buildings like sheds or to accessory improvements such as swimming pools.

Q: Are there any other conditions which must be met?

A: To be eligible, the greater portion of the original structure after reconstruction must be at least five years old. For example: If the living area is 1000 square feet, after improvements are made the square footage cannot exceed 1999 square feet.

Square footage will be calculated based on inventory listed and assessed on our current property record card. It will not include basement areas below grade. The improvement must have an equalized market value of between $3,000 and $80,000. Anything in excess of $80,000 is not eligible for the exemption, according to state law.

Q: How do I apply?

A: State law requires that the eligible project be completed before an exemption is granted. Applications must be filed on the form approved by the New York State Board of Real Property Services. The form is available from the Nassau County Department of Assessment. To receive an application, write to the Department of Assessment at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501, or call the Department of Assessment's Automated Information System at (516) 571-1500.

Q: Is there a cutoff date for filing the applications?

A: Applications are accepted throughout the year and must be filed by January 2 for all completed home improvements. The exemption, if approved, will be granted for the following tax roll year.

The improvement must be inspected and fully assessed to be eligible for the exemption.

Q: Does living in a village or city make a difference in how I apply?

A: Whether you live in a village, city or an unincorporated area, you must apply to Nassau County for county, town and school property tax exemptions. To qualify locally, your city or village must have adopted a resolution authorizing the Home Improvement Exemption. Please contact your city and village assessor or clerk's office for filing and eligibility requirements.