Clifton Park approaches permanent veterans' tax cut

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The town of Clifton Park moved a step closer Monday to a permanent property tax break for all veterans.

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CLIFTON PARK — The Town Board will vote next week on whether or not to make a tax break for veterans permanent.

At its Dec. 4 meeting, the board held an uneventful public hearing that addressed whether or not the town should make the Cold War Veterans Tax Exemption a permanent tax break for qualifying veterans.

Clifton Park originally approved the tax exemption in 2007. Until recently, municipalities had to approve the exemption every 10 years.

However, an amendment made by the state Legislature last session allows the current 10-year exemption to be extended in municipalities for as long as a veteran is qualified. By adding the permanence factor to the local law, municipalities may avoid having to readopt the exemption every decade. The Legislature must still pass the bill every 10 years.

The tax exemption in question is available on a veteran’s primary residence, or the residence of the unremarried surviving spouse of the a Cold War veteran. Veterans can receive a 10 or 15 percent reduction in their property’s assessed value. Additional cuts are available for veterans who incurred a service-related disability.

While there were no residents who spoke during the public comment period, town Supervisor Phil Barrett pointed out that the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors is considering adopting the amendment at a county level as well.

The board will vote on the measure at its Dec. 11 meeting.