Legislation Approved to Extend STAR Rebate Application Deadline

Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski (D-New City) announced Assembly passage of a bill (A09479) to extend the deadline to apply for the Middle Class STAR rebate from November 30, 2007 to December 31, 2007.

The need for an extension became apparent when problems were encountered in several counties in verifying rebate eligibility, causing delays with mailings and paperwork.

“This extension will give the state more time to process the applications and mail the rebate checks. More importantly, some residents who qualify for the rebate seem confused by the STAR application process, and this extension gives them more time to learn about the program and an extra month to submit their applications,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

By now homeowners, who are currently enrolled in STAR, should have received a letter and an application from the state Department of Taxation and Finance with all the information needed. There are two ways to apply:

  • Visit www.nystax.gov to submit an online rebate application. Taxpayers will receive an online confirmation as proof that the Tax Department received their application. It will take only about 2 weeks to receive a rebate check instead of 4 to 6 weeks if a paper application is filled out.
  • Those who can’t apply online should fill out the form included with the letter provided by the Tax Department. A blank application can also be printed out from the department’s Web site or from the local assessor’s office.

Homeowners who are currently enrolled in STAR program but who did not receive the application may contact the Tax Department at 1-877-6-STAR-NY (1-877-678-2769). The physical address of the property and the property identification information from a tax bill will need to be provided.

Senior citizens 65 years or older who are currently enrolled in Enhanced STAR should have already received their checks automatically. Any such senior who hasn’t received a rebate check should also call the above number.

“By extending the STAR application deadline until the end of December, we hope no one misses the opportunity to apply for their rebate check. Anyone with questions about the program may call my office for assistance,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.