Clergy Exemption

Department of Finance


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Clergy Exemption

The clergy exemption is available to eligible retired or active clergy members and their spouses/widow(er)s.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for the clergy exemption if:

Your property is not a cooperative.

Your property is not held in a trust.

Your primary residence is located in the state of New York.

You are one of the following:

An active clergy member engaged in ministerial work as your principal occupation.

A clergy member unable to perform such work due to illness or impairment. (Medical documentation is required.)

A retired clergy member over 70.

The unremarried surviving spouse of a clergy member.

Please note that you may also be eligible for the Senior Citizen Homeowners’, Disabled Homeowners’, Enhanced STAR, or Veterans benefits.

You can apply online from September 15 to March 15. Filing online is the fastest and easiest way to file.

Clergy Exemption Online Initial Application

You can submit a paper application at any time, but please note that applications will be processed from September 15 to March 15.

How to apply

You can apply online from September 15 to March 15. Filing online is the fastest and easiest way to file.

Clergy Exemption Online Initial Application

You can submit a paper application at any time, but please note that applications will be processed from September 15 to March 15.

Deadlines

You must apply or renew by March 15 to receive the benefit in the following tax year, which begins July 1. If March 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.

Savings

This exemption provides a $1,500 reduction in the property’s assessed value.

Renewing your benefit

The clergy exemption must be renewed annually. The Department of Finance will send you a renewal application when it is time to renew your benefit.

You can renew your benefit online:

Clergy Exemption Renewal Online Application

You may also renew your benefit by downloading and mailing a paper application:

Clergy Exemption Renewal Paper Application

Other forms

Disabled Crime Victim/Good Samaritan Exemption Application

Military Request for Relief Application Military Request for Relief Application (from Lien Sales, ECB Judgments, Parking Judgments and Tax Warrants) Active military personnel may request relief from the Lien Sale, Tax Warrants, Environmental Control Board judgments, and parking judgments.

Application to Remove Previously Granted Exemption(s) - Online Application

Application to Remove Previously Granted Exemption(s) for Coop Units - Online Application

Application to Remove Previously Granted Exemption(s) (PDF Download)

Need help? Contact 311 or email us.

If due to a disability you need an accommodation on order to apply for and receive a service, or to participate in a program offered by the Department of Finance, please contact the Disability Service Facilitator at www.nyc.gov/contactdofeeo or by calling 311.