The county building, where the vote lands in December.
By June Mercer | November 13, 2026
Permanently and totally disabled veterans in Dutchess County still pay full property taxes. County Executive Sue Serino wants to change that. She introduced legislation to eliminate the county portion of those tax bills for qualifying veterans. The announcement came during Veterans Day week. The Dutchess County Legislature considers the proposed local law at its December board meeting.
What the Exemption Covers
The measure draws on New York Real Property Tax Law section 458-a(11). That provision lets local governments offer a full property tax exemption as a local option. Each taxing jurisdiction must adopt the exemption separately. County adoption cancels only the county share of a property tax bill. School district and municipal taxes stay in place unless those governments pass their own local laws.
The Town of Wappinger set the local precedent. The vote came on February 9, 2026, and passed unanimously. It established a 100 percent town property tax exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans. Wappinger became the first municipality in Dutchess County to adopt the state law.
Who Qualifies
Veterans must meet all requirements of New York's Alternative Veterans Exemption program. They must hold documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. That documentation must confirm permanent and total disability as a result of military service. The exemption applies only to a veteran's primary residence.
Wappinger's standard offers a reference point. Veterans there must hold a 100 percent service-connected disability rating. The VA must designate them Permanent and Total, or Totally Disabled based on Individual Unemployability. Receiving veterans benefits alone does not automatically qualify a resident. Each veteran must file an application.
How to Apply and When
Eligible veterans file Form RP-458-a with their municipal assessor. The deadline is the taxable status date, March 1, 2027. Once adopted and filed with New York State, the law applies to the 2027 assessment roll. The reduction would appear on January 2028 property tax bills.
The Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs helps residents review paperwork and reach their assessor. Residents can call that office at 845-486-2060.
