Veterans' Tax Exemption

The Wheatland-Chili Board of Education is currently considering the possibility of offering a Veterans' Tax Exemption. The Board of Education will vote on the Veterans’ Exemption at the regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Monday, February 9, 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Veterans’ Tax Exemption?

A: The Veterans’ Tax Exemption is a reduction in taxes for veterans who served in a time of war. The amount of the exemption can vary based on whether the veteran served in a combat or non-combat zone and whether or not they have a service disability. There are no income requirements for the exemption.

Q: Why are school districts considering this now?

A: In December, 2013, Gov. Cuomo signed legislation that authorized school districts to offer this exemption. Previously, only towns, cities, and other municipalities could offer the exemption.

Q: Is the school district required to offer this exemption?

A: No, the Board of Education has the authority to decide whether or not to offer the exemption.

Q: How does the exemption work?

A: The exemption lowers the tax bill for qualifying veterans and increases the taxes collected from all other property owners. The total amount collected by the school district remains the same; the exemption shifts where the money comes from.

Q: What is the potential impact of the exemption?

A: If the Board chooses to offer the maximum allowable exemption, up to $120,000, it would represent approximately a 1.5% increase in the tax rate. However, the Board also has the option of offering a partial exemption, which would result in a tax rate increase of less than 1.5%. This increase in the tax rate would be in addition to any increase associated with the annual operating budget. 

Q:  How do I learn more about the veterans’ tax exemption?

A.    You can attend one of the community forums that will be held during December 2014 and January 2015.  We will post dates and times of the upcoming forums on the website.

Q:  What feedback can I provide to this process?

A.    The District is preparing a survey that will be mailed to all residents to gather your feedback.  This survey will arrive in your home on or around Monday, January 5, 2015, with a return date of January 16, 2015. 

In addition, a Public Hearing of the Board of Education will also be held on Monday, January 12, 2015, to gather feedback from our community on the Veterans’ Exemption.