Orleans supports new property tax exemption for veterans, but waiting for guidance from state

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson said the county supports the new tax exemption for veterans signed into law by Governor Hochul this past December.  The new law exempts qualifying veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability from local property taxes.

“The Orleans County Legislature is fully supportive of legislation that provides benefits like this exemption to those who made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Johnson.  “Like other counties across the state, we are waiting for guidance from the state over implementation, as things seem to be in flux.  But I want to stress is that, to the extent we have any say over this, we will be fighting for our veterans.”

Nikolas Mroz, Director of the county’s Veteran Service Agency, said his team has been in regular contact with state officials and is trying to get clarification for the many veterans who have already called his office.

“We do know that the date for this exemption to be included in the tax roll is October 1 which means it would take effect for 2027 for those who qualify,” said Mroz.  “There are around 120 vets in Orleans County who have a 100 percent disability rating and receive the current tax exemption, and based on the criteria in this new law, they may or may not qualify for the new exemption. But this situation is fluid and there could be changes.”

Mroz encouraged any veterans with questions to call his office at 585-589-5219.