Res. No. 327
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation allowing for property owners who receive tax exemptions to have the exemption apply retroactively where eligible.
By Council Members Nurse, Ossé, Hudson, Narcisse, Sanchez, Brooks-Powers, Avilés, Krishnan, Won, Gutiérrez and Williams (in conjunction with the Brooklyn Borough President)
Whereas, The New York City Department of Finance (“DOF”) is responsible for the collection of property taxes in the city of New York; and
Whereas, State law allows for several exemption or abatement programs from the property tax for eligible property owners, such as senior citizens, veterans, clergy, and others; and
Whereas, DOF is responsible for the administration of property tax exemptions authorized by state law; and
Whereas, Not every property owner in the city of New York is aware of their potential eligibility for such exemption programs; and
Whereas, Failure to enroll in such programs can result in property owners owing more in property tax than they are otherwise obligated; and
Whereas, Excessive property tax bills can lead to property owners falling into arrears and potential foreclosure; and
Whereas, The application date for property tax exemptions is fixed by state law; and
Whereas, State law does not allow for an otherwise eligible property owner to receive exemption benefits if they have not submitted an application for that tax year; now, therefore be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation allowing for property owners who receive tax exemptions to have the exemption apply retroactively where eligible.
LS #12138
MJT