Senior Citizen Homeowners' Exemption

SCHE lowers the property taxes of eligible seniors. You may be able to reduce your home's assessed value by 5-50% depending on your income.

To be eligible for SCHE, you must meet these requirements:

• Own a one-, two-, or three-family home, condo, or coop apartment.
• All owners of the property are 65 or older. However, if you own the property with a spouse or sibling, only one of you need to be 65 or older.
• All owners must live on the property as the primary residence.
• The combined income for all owners must be less than or equal to $58,399.
• You must own the property for at least 12 consecutive months before the date of filing for the exemption. This is not a requirement if you got the exemption on a property that you owned before.

Apply by March 15 for benefits to begin on July 1 of the same year. If March 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day.

• Apply online: Complete the online application (https://a836-pts-efile.nyc.gov/SmartFile/Filing/FilingType/Info/NYC_SCHE). If you live in a co-op, apply using the SCHE co-ops application (https://a836-pts-efile.nyc.gov/SmartFile/Filing/FilingType/Info/NYC_SCHE_COOP).
• Apply by mail: Download and print the initial exemption application (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/finance/downloads/pdf/payment_operations/2020/sche-initial.pdf) or call 311 to get one mailed to you. Mail your completed application and documents to: New York City Department of Finance Homeowner Tax Benefits P.O. BOX 311 Maplewood, NJ 07040-0311
• Apply in person: Visit a Department of Finance Business Center (http://www1.nyc.gov/site/finance/pay-now/person.page).

When applying, you will need the borough, block, and lot (BBL) for your home.

Use the Property Address Search (https://a836-pts-access.nyc.gov/care/search/commonsearch.aspx?mode=address)

to get this information.

To apply for SCHE you will need to prove the following:

• Your age: you need a copy of a government-issued ID
• Your income: copies of federal tax returns and additional forms (schedules) for all owners. If any owners do not file a tax return, provide proof of yearly earnings.
• Your deductions:
• Copies of receipts for your paid medical bills not covered by insurance for your income documentation year, OR
• Copy of your Schedule A
• Depending on your application, you may need a trust agreement, will, or other legal documents.

• Send a message at nyc.gov/contactdof (http://www.nyc.gov/contactdof)
• Visit the SCHE website (http://www1.nyc.gov/site/finance/benefits/landlords-sche.page) to learn more.
• Call 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675)
• Call 929-252-7242 to get one-on-one help with applying for SCHE from an NYC Public Engagement Unit (https://www.nyc.gov/site/mayorspeu/index.page) Specialist.

Visit the website Visit the

SCHE website (http://www1.nyc.gov/site/finance/benefits/landlords-sche.page)

to learn more.

Call 311 Ask for Senior Citizen Homeowners' Exemption program.