NY S02980

Authorizes municipal corporations and school districts in counties with populations between 1.49 and 1.5 million to provide property tax exemptions for senior citizens age 65+ residing in manufactured homes after adopting a local law, ordinance, or resolution and holding a public hearing.

Eligible seniors must have combined income not exceeding the standard set in real property tax law section 425(4)(b) and pay residential rent; exemption includes a proportional share of annual tax increases on common areas based on percentage of qualifying homes in the park.

Requires eligible seniors to apply annually before the taxable status date with a signed landlord agreement ensuring landlords reduce tenant rent monthly by one-twelfth of the annual exemption, reimburse pro-rated taxes if tenant moves, and allow all qualifying tenants to participate.

Local assessors issue tax exemption certificates establishing the exemption amount for each tax period; copies go to the property owner and tax receiver, with exemptions deducted from municipal taxes on the manufactured home property.

Establishes penalties of up to $100 fine and 5-year disqualification for willfully making false statements on exemption applications; municipalities and school districts receive state reimbursement for program administration costs; effective January 1, 2019.