Tax exemption deadline for Superstorm Sandy repairs extended two years

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Wednesday that will extend the tax exemption for Superstorm Sandy home repairs and reconstruction by nearly two years.

The new deadline is March 1, 2024, which will help homeowners impacted by construction delays and material shortages due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Superstorm Sandy was a devastating weather event for countless New Yorkers — many of whom are still dealing with the damage a decade later,” Hochul said in a statement. 

“My administration continues to be laser-focused on helping New Yorkers build safer, stronger, more resilient homes after the storm. By extending this deadline, we are ensuring that even more homeowners can reap the benefits of this tax relief after experiencing delays, materials shortages and other hardships brought on by the pandemic,” Hochul said. 

About 100,000 homes on Long Island were severely flooded, damaged or destroyed by the 2012 storm, and 2,000 of those were left completely uninhabitable, officials said. 

In New York City, large portions of lower Manhattan were flooded, damaging subway stations and tunnels under the East River. The surge from the storm also caused considerable damage to homes, buildings and roads in Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. 

"Superstorm Sandy, which hit the NYC area in 2012, flooding streets, tunnels and subway lines and cutting power across the city, was incredibly devastating for many New York families," Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado said. "By signing this bill, the Governor is giving New Yorkers who have suffered from this destruction an opportunity to get extended financial relief in the form of a tax exemption for repairs which were delayed by the pandemic." 

Tax exemption applications can be found on the state Department of Taxation and Finance website.

With Michael O'Keeffe