RP-421-i-Ins [Albany] (7/06)
NYS DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION & FINANCE
OFFICE OF REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION FOR
REAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
TO MULTIPLE DWELLING BUILDINGS WITHIN CERTAIN CITIES
(Real Property Tax Law, Section 421-i)
AUTHORIZATION FOR EXEMPTION:
Section 421-i of the Real Property Tax Law authorizes a partial exemption from real property taxation of the
increase in assessed value attributable to reconstruction, alterations or conversions of multiple dwellings converted
back to owner-occupied one- or two-family residential property. The exemption is available only in cities having a
population of more than 90,000 but less than 100,000 as measured by the latest federal decennial census. Based on
2000 census data, only Albany satisfies this population criterion.
Where it is adopted, the exemption applies only to city taxes.
ELIGIBILITY FOR EXEMPTION:
Section 421-i sets forth several exemption criteria:
1. The property for which exemption is sought must be a former multiple dwelling converted to an owner-
occupied one- or two-family residence (question 4). Property that was not previously owner-occupied
qualifies if converted to a one-family residence. Property that was previously owner-occupied qualifies if
converted to a one- or two-family residence.
2. The greater portion of the residence (as measured by square footage) after the capital improvement must be
at least five years old (question 5).
3. The capital improvement must be commenced after the date the local law or resolution is enacted (question
6).
4. Unless limited by the local law, the exemption applies to reconstruction, alterations or improvements; it
does not apply to ordinary maintenance or repairs. Describe the capital improvement in question 7.
5. The value of such reconstruction, alteration or improvement must exceed the sum of $5,000 (question 8).
Attach documentation (e.g., construction contract, building permit, receipted bills) to support the cost of
the capital improvement.
The exemption is limited to $100,000 in increased market value although the city may reduce such maximum to
any amount but not less than $10,000; any additional value attributable to the new construction is not eligible for
the exemption. The market value of the new construction is calculated by dividing the increase in assessed value
attributable to the new construction by the latest State equalization rate or special equalization rate, unless such rate
is 95 percent or more, in which case the increased assessed value will be deemed to equal the market value.
Unless limited by local law, the value of an improvement qualifying for exemption should receive the
following exemption percentages:
Year
Exemption Percentage
1
100
2
87.5
3
75
4
62.5
5
50
6
37.5
7
25
8
12.5