§ 65-16.1. Additional exemption for Cold War veterans., Article V. Alternative Veterans Exemption, Chapter 65. Taxation, Code of Ordinances, Brookhaven

Qualifying residential real property shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of 15% of the assessed value of such property; provided, however, that such exemption shall not exceed the product of $54,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the assessing unit or, in the case of a special assessing unit, the latest class ratio, whichever is less.

In addition to the exemption provided by Subsection A of this section, where the Cold War veteran received a compensation rating from the United States Veterans Affairs or from the United States Department of Defense because of a service-connected disability, qualifying residential property shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of the product of the assessed value of such property multiplied by 50% of the Cold War veteran disability rating; provided, however, that such exemption shall not exceed $180,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the assessing unit or, in the case of a special assessing unit, the class ratio, whichever is less.

Pursuant to Chapter 655 of the Laws of 2007, and any amendments thereto, the exemption for Cold War veterans shall take effect July 1, 2010, and shall apply to the 2011 assessment rolls prepared on the basis of taxable status dates occurring on or after such date.

Pursuant to Chapter 655 of the Laws of 2007 (Real Property Tax Law § 458-b) and any amendments thereto, a "Cold War veteran" shall be defined as a person, male or female, who served on active duty for a period of more than 365 days in the United States armed forces, during the time period from September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991, was discharged or released therefrom under honorable conditions and has been awarded the Cold War recognition certificate as authorized under Public Law 105-85, the 1998 National Defense Authorization Act; and said Cold War veteran shall be included within the definition of a qualified owner pursuant to Real Property Tax Law § 458 for purposes of entitlement to a veteran's exemption.