The Suffolk Department of Social Services is currently taking applications for the Real Estate Tax Relief Program for Senior Citizens or Disabled persons. The application period will start on January 1, 2022, and will run until June 30, 2022. This does not apply to Veterans, as they can apply anytime.
The program provides for the reduction or exemption of real estate property taxes for qualified homeowners, and up to ten acres of land for certain homeowners.
To qualify, applicants must be at least sixty-five years of age as of June 30th, or permanently and totally disabled. The total combined gross household income of the homeowner, spouse, and all of the owner’s relatives residing in the dwelling, excluding the first $10,000 of the owner’s relatives other than the spouse, shall not exceed a total of $67,622. A total of $7,500 is excluded from the income of the homeowner who is permanently and totally disabled. Income from other person(s) living in the home, not related to the owner(s), is not considered.
Additionally, the net combined financial worth, including equitable interests as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year, of the owner(s) and the spouse of any owner, excluding the value of the dwelling and the land, not exceeding ten acres upon which it is situated, shall not exceed $303,075.
The tax relief program only applies to real estate taxes, and does not impact personal property or income taxes.
An application must be filed annually with the Suffolk Department of Social Services between January 1st and June 30th preceding the tax year for which relief is sought. To make an appointment to apply for the program, or if you have questions, call (757) 514-4870, or (757)514-4222. The public will be served on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.