Pittsford Approves Property Tax Exemption for Permanently Disabled Veterans
The Short Version
- Pittsford's Town Board voted unanimously on October 6, 2026 to adopt the Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption — a full elimination of the property tax bill, not just a reduction.
- The waiver covers more than base property tax: special district charges, assessments, and special levies on the veteran's primary residence are all included.
- To qualify, a veteran must hold an honorable discharge and be certified by the VA as permanently and totally disabled due to military service.
- Exemptions first appear on 2027–2028 tax year bills; the application window hasn't opened yet, but the Town Assessor's Office is the right first contact.
- A state law signed by Governor Hochul in early 2026 made this exemption mandatory for every New York municipality, effective October 1, 2026 — Pittsford's vote brought it into local law.
The Pittsford Town Board voted unanimously on October 6, 2026 to adopt the Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption. For permanently and totally disabled veterans who own their primary residence in town, the Pittsford veterans property tax exemption means no property tax bill at all — not a reduction, but a full waiver that covers base taxes, special district charges, assessments, and special levies.
What the Town Board Approved
What the Town Board Approved
The Town Board passed the exemption without dissent at the October 6 meeting. The Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption applies to the primary residence of any veteran who meets the eligibility criteria. The waiver is comprehensive: it covers base property tax and extends to special district charges, assessments, and special levies. A veteran who qualifies won't owe any of it.
Who Qualifies for the Pittsford Veterans Tax Exemption
Who Qualifies for the Pittsford Veterans Tax Exemption
Two requirements apply. First, the veteran must hold an honorable discharge from military service. Second, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs must have certified them as permanently and totally disabled as a direct result of that service — a designation distinct from a standard service-connected disability rating.
Veterans already carrying a 100% permanent and total rating from the VA should qualify. Veterans with a high service-connected disability rating who have not been certified as permanently and totally disabled may not — the Assessor's Office can help clarify what your VA documentation shows and whether it meets the standard.
The exemption applies only to a primary residence. Rental properties and second homes don't qualify.
When and How to Apply
When and How to Apply
The exemption will first appear on 2027–2028 tax year bills. Applications go through the Town Assessor's Office. At the time of the October 6 vote, the Town was still waiting on required program forms from New York State, so the formal application window hasn't opened.
Contact the Assessor's Office now, get your name on record, and ask to be notified when the forms arrive.
The State Law Behind It
The State Law Behind It
Pittsford's vote reflects a change in state law. Governor Hochul signed legislation in early 2026 requiring every municipality in New York to provide this exemption — eliminating the prior opt-in provision that had allowed towns to decline participation. Before the new law, this was a local choice. After October 1, 2026, it is a state requirement.
The law applies beginning with the 2027 Assessment Roll. Pittsford's unanimous October 6 vote brought the town into compliance as of that effective date.
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