Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has signed a new bill increasing property tax exemptions for eligible low-income senior citizens.

Officials say this will ease the financial burden on senior residents and allow them to remain in their homes amid rising costs.

The new law raises the maximum county property tax exemption to 65% for qualifying senior homeowners earning less than $47,000 annually. The increase aligns Westchester's exemption levels with recent changes to New York state law.

Previously, eligible seniors were only able to receive a 50% exemption on the county portion of their property tax bill.

"Many of our seniors have spent their entire lifetime working here and raising their families here, and they deserve the opportunity to remain here if they choose to," Jenkins said. "These tax exemptions will provide meaningful financial relief to some of our County’s most vulnerable residents and allow them to age in place with dignity."

“This change reflects the importance of supporting our senior residents and ensuring they can age in place with greater financial security and peace of mind," said Randolf Scott, acting commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS).

The new exemption levels will take effect for the 2027 tax year, beginning March 1, 2027.

Seniors who believe they may qualify must apply through their local assessor's office and meet all applicable eligibility requirements. County officials said homeowners already receiving the existing senior property tax exemption will not need to reapply.