Permits municipalities the local option of providing a tax exemption to National Guard members and reservists

This bill allows New York municipalities to choose whether to offer a 5% property tax exemption on qualifying residential properties owned by active or retired National Guard members and military reservists. To qualify, the property must be the owner’s primary residence (with exceptions for medical reasons), and the applicant must submit an annual application with a U.S. Department of Defense "twenty-year favorable service letter." The exemption applies only to the residential portion of the property and cannot be stacked with existing military tax benefits. Municipalities must adopt local ordinances to implement this option, which takes effect immediately.