The purpose of this article is to grant a partial
exemption from taxation up to a maximum of 50% of the assessed valuation
of real property which is owned by certain persons with limited income
who are 65 years of age or over, meeting the requirements set forth
in § 467 of the Real Property Tax Law.
Real property owned by persons 65 years of age
or over shall be exempt from Town taxes up to a maximum of 50% of
the assessed valuation subject to the following conditions:
A. The owner or all of the owners must file an application
annually in the Assessor's office at least 90 days before the day
for filing the final assessment roll or such other time as may be
hereafter fixed by law;
B. A partial tax exemption shall be established, with
the percentage of exemption being based on maximum annual income ranges
as specified by resolution of the Town Board at its January (organizational)
meeting.
C. Title to the property must be vested in the owner
or, if more than one, in all the owners, for at least 12 consecutive
months prior to the date that the application is filed.
D. The property must be used exclusively for residential
purposes, be occupied in whole or in part by the owners and constitute
the legal residence of the owners.
Any conviction of having made any willful false
statement in the application for such exemption shall be punishable
by a fine of not more than $100 and shall disqualify the applicant
or applicants from further exemption for a period of five years.
This article shall take effect immediately upon
filing with the Secretary of State.