Starting next year, about a thousand disabled Onondaga County veterans can get a break on their property taxes. The county opted into a state law that applies to veterans designated as totally and permanently disabled because of their military service. Legislation sponsor and veteran David Knapp said the county tax exemption is only the beginning of what could be more substantial relief for veterans who are likely unable to work or have a limited income.
“I'd be pretty surprised if most of the towns didn't opt in," he said. "And then we'll get the word out to the school districts and see what we can do there, because that's probably the biggest piece of the puzzle.”
Charles Iavarone is a disabled Iraq war veteran who would qualify for the exemption. He told lawmakers before the vote they should work to include school taxes.
“Currently, there are very few school districts who offer any property tax exemptions to veterans," he said. "That's something that I think should change, and I think your advocacy would very much help that. We like to throw around the word affordability. These school districts should be opting into this.”
He said school taxes typically make up more than half of a homeowner’s tax bill. But Iavarone added it's a small price to pay for veterans who are permanently disabled.
The county exemption takes effect for the 2028 tax year and could amount to several hundred dollars depending on a home’s assessed value.
