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Alternative Veterans, Cold War Veterans & Eligible Funds
Alternative Veterans Exemption
The Alternative Veterans Exemption is a property tax reduction program on the primary residence of veterans who served during a period of war or have received an Expeditionary Medal. This exemption, which reduces the assessed value of the home before the tax rate is applied, provides three levels of benefits:
- 15% of the assessed value for non-combat veterans for service during wartime.
- Additional 10% for combat veterans who served in a combat zone.
- Additional benefit for disabled veterans equal to one-half of the VA combined service-connected disability rating.
In order to receive the Alternative Veterans Exemption, the veteran must have served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces during a designated time of war as follows:
| Conflict | Dates |
|---|---|
| Persian Gulf | Beginning August 2, 1990 |
| Panama* | December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 |
| Lebanon* | June 1, 1983 to December 1, 1987 |
| Grenada | October 23, 1983 to November 21, 1983 |
| Vietnam War | February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 |
| Korean War | June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955 |
| World War II | December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 |
*Expeditionary Medal must have been received to be eligible for the Alternative Veterans Exemption in these instances.
Gold Star Parents are eligible for the Alternative Veterans Exemption. Qualifying veterans who were called to active duty to restore and maintain postal service during Operation Graphic Hand (March 23, 1970) are also eligible for the Alternative Veterans Exemption.
Veterans of the Guard and Reserve who were called up for active duty for any service other than training during a period of war are entitled to a veterans exemption on the town and county portion of their real estate taxes. Proof must be provided that service was not for training.
Cold War Veterans Exemption
The Cold War Veterans Exemption is a property tax reduction program on the primary residence of veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during the Cold War period between September 2, 1945, and December 26, 1991. This exemption, which reduces the assessed value of the home before the tax rate is applied, provides two levels of benefits:
- 15% of the assessed value or current Nassau County cap, depending on whichever is lower.
- An additional benefit for disabled veterans equal to one-half of their VA combined service-connected disability rating.
In 2018, Hempstead Town lifted a 10-year sunset clause, extending Cold War Veterans Exemption benefits for a lifetime as long as the veteran or their un-remarried surviving spouse remains a homeowner of the property. Hempstead Town further enhanced benefits in 2019 by raising the exemption level to the maximum limit allowed under state law.
Eligible Funds
The Eligible Funds Exemption is a property tax reduction program on a veteran-owned property that was purchased with the veteran's military pension, bonus or insurance monies, Mustering Out Pay, etc. The amount of the exemption is equal to the number of eligible funds used to purchase the home. The Eligible Funds Exemption is closed to new applicants but can be reduced by reassessments or increased when newly received VA money is reinvested into the property. This exemption covers general municipal taxes only. To receive a reduction on school taxes, Eligible Funds recipients must file for the Alternative Veterans Exemption.
Service-connected disabilities must be certified by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs or the U.S. Department of Defense. If the disability is not permanent, a renewal application must be submitted.