Assessment Announcement
The Syracuse Common Council approved legislation adopting a state-approved expansion of eligibility for the partial exemption from City, School, and County property taxes for owner-occupants in the City of Syracuse.
The City opened the application period on September 5, 2023. Please contact the Department of Assessment with any inquiries.
Under new eligibility requirements, people 65 years of age and older and people with disabilities and annual income less than $58,399.99 can quality for decreased property taxes on a sliding scale. The percentage of exemption maxes at 50% and decreases as the eligible income levels go up. The previous maximum income was $37,399.99.
The income eligibility for both the seniors and persons with disabilities is as follows:
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Income Limits
|
|
Exemption Percentage
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Min. Income
|
Max. Income
|
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50%
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$0
|
$50,000.00
|
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45%
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$50,000.01
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$50,099.99
|
|
40%
|
$51,000.00
|
$51,999.99
|
|
35%
|
$52,000.00
|
$52,999.99
|
|
30%
|
$53,000.00
|
$53,899.99
|
|
25%
|
$53,900.00
|
$54,799.99
|
|
20%
|
$54,800.00
|
$55,699.99
|
|
15%
|
$55,700.00
|
$56,599.99
|
|
10%
|
$56,600.00
|
$57,499.99
|
|
5%
|
$57,500.00
|
$58,399.99
|
New applicants must apply through New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Taxpayers with an existing Basic STAR will continue to receive the exemption on their City and School tax bill. New applicants will receive the STAR Savings in the form of a credit check mailed by New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance administers the STAR Program. Taxpayers may register by phone at (518) 457-2036 or online.
Any taxpayer who already has a Basic STAR exemption may apply for the Enhanced STAR through the City of Syracuse. If you do not currently have Basic STAR, you must register for the STAR credit check through New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The credit check will be mailed by New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. You are not eligible for this if your annual income exceeds $98,700.
To register through the Department of Assessment, visit the office or call (315) 448-8270. You may also apply by mail to the office - City Hall, Room 130; if you have any questions about the application process, please call.
To register through New York State, visit their website. Their phone number is: (518) 457-2036.
Every year you must re-file your Senior Exemption with the City of Syracuse before January 1st to receive it the following year. You must own the property for 1 year, the property owner must be 64 or older to register, and proof of combined owner income of $58,399.99 or less, based on the previous calendar year is required.
The discount is on a sliding scale of 5% - 50% of the property's assessed value. The discount applies to City, School, and County taxes.
To register with the Department of Assessment, visit the office or call (315) 448-8270.
There are two types of exemptions for veterans. We determine these based on the date of service. Any veteran who has received a disability compensation rating may be eligible for extra savings. Contact the Department of Assessment to determine which one you qualify for and what documentation you will need.
You will need proof of honorable discharge (DD-214), and proof of disability compensation rating if applicable. The amounts are 15% or 25% off City and County taxes only; veterans disability discount is consistent with disability rating.
To register with the Department of Assessment, visit the office or call (315) 448-8270.
The Disability Exemption is for those awarded benefits through the Social Security Administration for a documented disability. Every year you must re-file your Disability Exemption with the City of Syracuse before January 1st to receive it the following year.
You will need to submit your determination letter from the Social Security Administration. You will also need proof of combined owner income of $58,399.99 or less, based on the previous calendar year.
The discount is on a sliding scale of 5% - 50% of the property's assessed value. The discount applies to City, School, and County taxes.
To register with the Department of Assessment, visit the office or call (315) 448-8270.
The Flood Zone Exemption is for property owned in one of the two Flood Zone Districts in the City of Syracuse. Every year you must re-file the Flood Zone Exemption with the City of Syracuse before January 1st to receive it the next year. For the year you receive the discount, the property must have flood insurance from a federally-backed insurance agency. The property must be in one of the flood zones.
Confirm flood zone location and varying zone requirements with the department of Assessment at (315) 448-8270.
More information can be found at FEMA's website: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
These are exemptions instituted to help offset the cost of investing in the renovation/rehabilitation of vacant, residential and commercial structures in the City of Syracuse. A list of property improvement exemptions offered can be found here.