About Property Tax Exemptions

Overview

Assessment Announcement

The Syracuse Common Council has approved legislation that adopts 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 will open the application period on September 5, 2023 in the Department of Assessment in Suite 130 on the first floor of Syracuse City Hall, 233 E. Washington Street, 315-448-8270.  Registration information will also be available online at syr.gov/Departments/Assessment.

Under new eligibility requirements, people 65 years of age and older and person with disabilities with limited incomes who make up to $58,399.99 can quality for break on property taxes on a sliding scale.  The percentage of exemption maxes at 50% and declines 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:

 

Income Limits

Exemption Percentage 

Min. Income 

Max. Income

50%

 $0

 $50,000.00 

45%

 $50,000.01 

 $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

 

Basic STAR

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

Enhanced STAR

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.

To register through the Department of Assessment, stop in or give us a call at (315) 448-8270.

To register through New York State, visit their website. Their phone number is: (518) 457-2036

Senior Citizen

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 provide 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, stop in or give us a call at (315) 448-8270.

Veterans

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, stop in or give us a call at (315) 448-8270.

Disability

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, stop in or give us a call at (315) 448-8270.

Flood Zone

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.

Property Improvement Exemptions

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.