I have been volunteering for the past three years with  AARP preparing tax returns for low to moderate income individuals in Gardiner, New Paltz and most recently, Stone Ridge. These folks, particularly senior citizens, are indeed struggling financially and it’s likely that it goes unnoticed on an everyday basis.

There is in place a senior citizen tax exemption available to homeowners that, to my surprise, many low income senior homeowners are not aware of. Even so, during the Town of Marlbletown Town Board meeting on February 21, 2023 and according to the BlueStone Press, a  resolution was passed, 5-0 , to  raise the Senior Citizens income limit from $29,000 to $50,000 to reduce the taxable assessment to a senior’s home by 50% (this is above and beyond Enhanced Star). There is also a sliding scale percentage that can be adopted for higher income earners up to a maximum of $58,400. For those seniors who are aware of the program it  has been a lifesaver for them to be able to afford their other day to day necessities that have skyrocketed in cost.    

The town officials promised to do everything they could to get the word out – the town website, Facebook and the local newspaper as well as looking for a volunteer to assist seniors with the needed paperwork. 

I urge all Towns and School Districts to follow the lead of the Town of Marbletown to the $50,000 per year income maximum for a 50% assessment reduction  that is currently allowed by New York State.  Our  most vulnerable senior citizens should be given the choice to affordably stay in their homes.          

Municipalities also have the option to permit veterans disability payments to be subtracted from total  income.

I also urge all community members to contact their Town and local School Boards to ensure this dollar maximum is enacted.  It will immensely help the friends and neighbors we all have  who may be in need. 

More information can be found by visiting this website.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/seniorexempt.htm