Michael Fouassier, DPA, IAO
Assessor
Phone: (914) 762-8274
Fax: (914) 762-8634
16 Croton Avenue, 3rd Floor
Ossining, NY 10562
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm due to COVID restrictions, Monday through Friday. All Town offices (except for the Town Clerk’s Office) will close at 3:15pm on Fridays from July 1st through September 2nd.
Ways to Save - Assessor
The Office of the Assessor administers many property tax exemptions and encourages homeowners to take advantage of all benefits for which they qualify. Many owners receive the New York State School Tax Relief program (STAR) but may not be aware of other benefits such as Veterans, Senior Citizen, Disabled, and Volunteer Firefighter/Emergency Worker exemptions.
STAR Exemption (Basic and Enhanced)
Basic STAR is for a homeowners' primary residence if their household income is less than $500,000.00.
New STAR Applicants, who have never had STAR before, must apply directly with New York State Department of Taxation and Finance -
http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/default.htm
Enhanced STAR is for homeowners 65 years of age or older with incomes of $93,200 or less as of 2023. If you are already a recipient of the Enhanced STAR, you do not have to file a renewal application with us as long as New York State Taxation and Finance can continue to verify your income eligibility. For additional information and updates to the Enhanced STAR program, please visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance -
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/eligibility.htmVeterans
There are a number of Veterans Exemptions authorized by New York State. The Alternative Veteran’s Exemption (RP-458-a) is the most common of these. New York State RPTL 458-a provides a limited exemption from property taxes for real property owned by persons who have US military service, provided the property meets the requirements set forth in the law. Eligibility is defined by periods of war, veterans who received expeditionary medals, or certain members of their family based on a percentage of assessed value. For more information and the application for Veteran Exemptions:
Low Income Senior Citizen Exemption (RP-467)
The Senior Citizen's Exemption is a benefit, separate and distinct from Enhanced STAR, for eligible low-income senior citizens. Whole Enhanced STAR is only applied to your school taxes, Senior Citizen’s Exemption may apply to other parts of your property tax bill.
The Town of Ossining has recently adopted a higher threshold of income to grant tax relief to more seniors. If you are 65 years of age or older by December 31, and your income is less than $58,400 (gross income from all owners), you may be eligible for this exemption on a sliding scale basis. Exemption applications must be received on or before May 1, with annual renewal applications submitted in subsequent years. To learn more, visit the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance's
Senior Citizens' Exemption PagePlease note you must be 65 years of age or older and reside in your own home however the income limit is much stricter than the Enhanced Star. For this exemption, your 2022 gross income from all sources, including Social Security, pensions, interest, etc. must be below $58,400. You may deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses, which must be documented.
The application, renewal form, and instructions for the Low Income Senior Citizen Exemption can be found
Low Income Disability Exemption (RP-459-c)
This exemption has the same requirements as the Low Income Senior Citizen Exemption except that there is no minimum age. Instead, the applicant must have a qualifying disability and provide either:
- an award letter from Social Security certifying eligibility for either SSDI or SSI
- or a Railroad Retirement Board certifying Railroad Retirement Disability benefits
- or the US Department of Veterans Affairs certifying a Veterans Disability pension
- or a certificate from the state commission for the blind and visually handicapped stating the property owner is legally blind.
The application, renewal form, and instructions for the Low Income Disability Exemption can be found here:
Volunteer Firefighter / Ambulance Worker (RP-466-a)
The 466a Firefighter/Ambulance Worker Exemption applies to the primary residence owned by an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or ambulance service. The property is partially exempt from general municipal taxes and special ad valorem levies so long as the property owner has been such a member for a minimum of two to five years, depending on Village, School District, and Town adoption.
This exemption must be renewed annually along with proof of residency, unless you have 20 years of service or more.
The application for this exemption can be found here
Not-for-Profit Exemption
Certain properties such as those used for religious, educational or government purposes are wholly exempt from the real property tax. For more information on NFP Exemptions please visit the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance:
https://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt2/sec4_05/rptaxex.htm
