Senior Citizen Homeowners' Exemption (SCHE)

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. Important details • Apply by March 15th for benefits to begin on July 1st of that year. If March 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day. • Requires proof of age, income, and tax deduction. • If your property qualifies for SCHE and the Disabled Homeowners Exemption (DHE), you will only be granted SCHE. You cannot get both. • Renew every two years by March 15. The Department of Finance will send you a renewal application when it is time to renew. If you do not renew, your property taxes could increase significantly. How to apply 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 . If you live in a co-op, apply using the SCHE co-ops application . • Apply by mail: Download and print the initial exemption application 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 . When applying, you will need the borough, block, and lot (BBL) for your home. Use the Property Address Search to get this information. What you may need 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. How to get help • Send a message at nyc.gov/contactdof • Visit the SCHE website 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 Specialist.