Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) reminded residents today that all homeowners, even those currently receiving the property-tax exemption, will need to re-register to be enrolled in the Basic STAR program. A March 2013 audit found widespread abuse of the Basic STAR program; estimates by the New York State Comptroller’s Office show as much as $13 million in fraud and abuse. Reilich said that the deadline to re-register for the Basic STAR exemption is December 31 and urged residents to reapply before the deadline.
“New Yorkers are paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation and every penny of relief must be accounted for,” said Reilich. “It is critical that eligible residents take full advantage of this program, which saves the average homeowner roughly $700 a year. I want to encourage those who are qualified to apply and anyone with questions to please contact the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance via their website or local assessor for additional details.”
Reilich said that the adjustments, changed in this year’s state budget, apply only to Basic STAR. Currently, in order to be eligible for the Enhanced STAR program, an individual must be 65 years or older and be below a certain income threshold. Therefore, seniors who are receiving this Enhanced STAR already are required to apply annually and must participate in an income verification program.
Reilich further stated that in the coming weeks, homeowners will be receiving a letter which will include instructions on how to re-register. The new registration for Basic STAR will only be required once, and homeowners will not have to re-register in future years.
Additional information can be found at http://tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star13.htm.