DeStefano, Murray Deliver for Local Ministry

A Mastic Beach religious organization has received assistance from state lawmakers after legislation allowing it to apply for a previously missed property tax exemption was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Ministerios Sion, Inc., which owns property at 168 Locust Drive, was granted permission to submit a late application for tax-exempt status following legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano and Senator Dean Murray.

The legislation authorizes the Town of Brookhaven assessor to accept the organization's application for an exemption covering 2024 general property taxes and 2023-2024 school taxes.

Under New York's Real Property Tax Law, qualifying religious and charitable organizations may receive exemptions on property used for eligible nonprofit purposes.

However, applications must ordinarily be submitted by established deadlines. Organizations missing those deadlines generally require special legislative authorization before their applications can receive retroactive consideration.

According to the bill's justification, the Brookhaven Town Assessor notified Ministerios Sion that state legislation was necessary and indicated a willingness to accept the application once the measure became law.

DeStefano and Murray stepped up and introduced the legislation necessary to make it happen.

The legislation also permits the appropriate taxing authorities to refund taxes already paid or cancel outstanding taxes, penalties, liens, and interest.

The law does not automatically grant an exemption. Final approval remains subject to the organization's eligibility and local review under existing state requirements.