Lessening the tax burden on veterans

The Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education is expected to vote on whether to grant a veterans alternative tax exemption — permitting them to pay less in school property taxes — at its Sept. 17 meeting after more than 50 military veterans attended the board’s Sept. 10 meeting and pushed for a decision on the issue.
A total of four resolutions will be voted on and all four need to be approved for the exemption to be granted, district officials said. “These are very unique actions,” said Scott McInnes, the school board president, about the exemptions. “This is why we’re trying to hear what the community wants. This board wants to hear from everyone.”
The exemption, which is based on New York’s real property tax law, involves a maximum tax exemption amount of $12,000 for all eligible recipients who served in a non-combat zone, an additional $8,000 — up to $20,000 — for all veterans who served in a combat zone, and an additional $20,000— up to $60,000 —for veterans who served in a combat zone and suffered a “service-connected” disability.
In addition, Gold Star families (direct relatives of service men and women who were killed in combat) living in the district would be considered eligible, as well as veterans living in co-ops and those who transfer their home ownership to another property within the district.