Clergy Property Tax Exemption
Dear Msgr. LaMorte,
I am writing to make the clergy of the Archdiocese of New York aware of a property tax exemption that they might qualify for on any personal property that they own. The clergy tax exemption reduces a property’s assessed value by $1,500, reducing the amount of property tax owed.
The exemption is available on 1- to 3-family homes and condominiums (co-ops and properties held in a trust are not eligible). The clergy member does not have to live at the property to be eligible, but must live in New York State. A priest or deacon could be eligible if they are any of the following:
- An active full-time clergy member engaged in ministerial work as their principal occupation.
- A clergy member unable to perform such work due to illness or impairment.
- A retired clergy member over 70.
- The unremarried surviving spouse of a clergy member.
The deadline to apply is March 15, 2021, for the next tax year. You can apply online or download an application at www.nyc.gov/ownerexemption. The exemption must be renewed annually.
Please feel free to distribute copies of this letter to any priest or deacon in the archdiocese who might be eligible. If you have any questions, please contact John Mulvey at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Gold
Assistant Commissioner, External Affairs Division
New York City Department of Finance