Residents in the Hicksville School District will have a few more dollars added to their taxes as a result of a new school tax exemption for veterans. Across New York State, school districts are being asked to provide this special exemption, which provides three tiers of tax breaks for vets based on whether or not they saw combat or suffered a disability.
While a similar exemption already exists at the county level, the state left individual school districts to decide if it would be in the best interest of the taxpaying community.
At a public hearing on Feb. 26, members of the Hicksville School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the exemption. School officials estimate approximately 1,100 residents in the district are eligible to apply for the tax break.
“The board uniformly said they appreciated the service the veterans had given this country, and realized the sacrifices they have made and thought this exemption was well deserved,” said Board of Education President Phil Heckler.
According to Heckler, any impact to school taxes as a result of the exemption would need to be picked up by non-veteran taxpayers. Residents who are ineligible for this tax exemption will need to pay an average of a little under $27 more per household. The exemption will have no effect on the tax levy.
