ENHANCED STAR SCHOOL TAX RELIEF UPDATE

Click here for STAR Applications and Instructions

The STAR school property tax cut program has saved taxpayers billions of dollars since it was enacted in 1997. It�s been particularly helpful to senior citizens. Some seniors no longer have to pay school taxes, thanks to the Enhanced STAR Program that�s available to seniors aged 65 and older.

I wanted to remind you that this year you may be eligible for the enhanced STAR Program. It�s for seniors who own their homes and turn 65 any time this year. Although you have to file for the exemption by March 1, you can take advantage of the STAR program even if you don�t turn 65 until later in the year.

When seniors lost their STAR eligibility because they received modest increases in their social security or pension checks, we passed a law to raise the income limit each year to account for the cost of living. The STAR program will now automatically adjust income eligibility levels for the "Enhanced STAR" property tax savings program, based on annual cost-of-living increases for social security. It means that seniors won�t be squeezed out of the STAR program because of small income hikes.

If some forgot to reapply and were dropped from the program, my colleagues and I in the Senate Majority fought to eliminate the need to reapply each year.

Many seniors and assessors have told me that they found applying each year both invasive and time consuming. So my colleagues and I won a major change in the STAR Program that will eliminate the need to reapply each year, to ensure that seniors who are eligible for STAR do not lose their benefits.

Previously, senior citizens had to reapply for STAR through their local assessor every year to verify their eligibility. Unfortunately, if someone forgot to reapply, they lost the STAR benefit. I am happy to tell you that we have changed the process to be sure this does not happen again.

When you sign up, you can authorize your local assessor to verify your eligibility for STAR each year through the state Department of Taxation and Finance. If you choose this option, you would not have to reapply each year unless you stop filing income tax returns with the state. It will ensure that every senior citizen who is eligible for a STAR property tax reduction gets it. The new cost of living provisions will be factored in to maintain your eligibility.

Where can I find STAR applications and instructions?
You can obtain STAR applications and instructions through the New York State Office of Real Property Services.

What if I exceed the income ceiling?
If you exceed the income ceiling for the enhanced STAR program of $64,650, you can continue to receive the basic STAR exemption. You don�t have to reapply to verify income.

What if I don�t own my home?
The STAR program is designed for those who own their own homes. However, those who rent are still eligible for relief through the state�s "circuit breaker" program. It provides a tax "rebate" for those whose rent is high relative to their incomes.

By filing a state tax form, the IT-214, you can apply for your tax rebate. The form can be filed anytime during the year, and you can apply even if you don�t normally file tax returns. If you have not already applied this year for the IT-214, request a form from my office and we�ll send it out to you. You can apply anytime during the year for the circuit breaker -- you don�t have to file only with your regular state income tax return.

Remember, if you�re eligible for the STAR enhanced exemption, you need to apply to your assessor by the deadline, which is March 1, in most areas.

Whether you rent or own your own home, your personal financial security is my concern. I will continue to work to make sure seniors like you keep more of your own money.

I hope you find this information useful. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office. You can also view my online brochure, "Q & A  About the STAR School Property Tax Exemption" by clicking here.


Sincerely,

Joseph L. Bruno
State Senator

[BIOGRAPHY] [DISTRICT MAP] [PHOTO GALLERY] [LEGISLATION] [CONSTITUENT SERVICES] [YOUR OPINION COUNTS] [GUESTBOOK] [PRIVACY POLICY] [SENATE INSIDER] [CONTACT INFO] [HOME/NEWS]