I have written to the Governor and members of the NY State Legislature asking them to increase the maximum income amount that would make senior citizens eligible for partial senior tax breaks. The last time the State Legislature increased the amount was over 15 years ago! An income of $37,399.99 enabled seniors to have a higher standard of living 15 years ago than it does today. If the Legislature approves this recommendation local governments (towns, villages, school districts) would have the option of approving the tax breaks –something we currently do not have.
Currently, the maximum income seniors could earn to receive a partial tax break is $37,399 –an amount that is very difficult to live on. In NYC the Legislature authorized the city to offer tax breaks to seniors whose income does not exceed $50,000. Why should Westchester seniors be treated differently than seniors in NYC?
There are currently 461 seniors in Greenburgh who are receiving the partial senior tax breaks. There are about 285 seniors who are receiving a 50% reduction off their property taxes due to their income. The current law offers seniors whose income is less than $29,000 a 50% reduction off their taxes. There is a sliding scale. Those earning $36,500 to $37,399.99 get 5% off their taxes. The sliding scale amount should also be adjusted.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
