Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is again reminding local homeowners to act quickly and reapply for their School Tax Relief (STAR) Property Tax Exemptions. There are only 12 days left to register, and many local homeowners still have not taken action. The deadline to apply is December 31. The new guidelines do not affect homeowners age 65 or older who already are enrolled in Enhanced STAR.

“Nassau County homeowners pay among the highest property taxes in the nation, and the STAR Program provides critical relief to help make ends meet,” said McDonough. “By acting now, homeowners can complete the re-registration process quickly through the online application. With the new database, the state will be better-equipped to eliminate the waste, fraud and abuse that currently exist in the system. I strongly encourage all eligible homeowners to reapply for the STAR Property Tax Exemption to ensure they continue to receive this valuable tax relief.”

In compliance with new guidelines meant to prevent fraud and abuse of STAR benefits, homeowners must sign up by telephone or online with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to continue their exemption for 2014 and beyond. To complete the process, visit www.tax.ny.gov or call (518) 457-2036.