Bill > A04984

This bill shifts the responsibility for income verification for the senior citizen property tax exemption from local municipalities to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Currently, property owners over 65 applying for a property tax exemption must submit income documentation to their local assessor, but under this new law, the state department will annually verify income eligibility using taxpayer identification numbers. The bill requires all applicants and assessing authorities to participate in what will be known as the "senior citizen property tax exemption income verification program." The application form will now mandate that all property owners and their spouses provide their taxpayer identification numbers to facilitate income matching. The bill also includes provisions for the commissioner to extend enrollment periods for property owners who miss initial deadlines and potentially provide direct payments to compensate for any tax differences. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the confidentiality of submitted income documentation, prohibiting municipal officials from disclosing such information except when necessary for official duties. The change aims to streamline the income verification process and potentially reduce administrative burden on local municipalities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4984