Flanagan Reminds Residents To Register For STAR Program

Homeowners have until March 1 to register for the School Tax Relief program.

The program consists of two programs with separate criteria. Basic STAR is open to residents with combined income of $500,000 and under and who own their own one, two or three family home, condominium, cooperative apartment or mobile home. The program is available regardless of age or income and does not have to be renewed on an annual basis.

“The STAR program has consistently delivered tax relief to the homeowners of New York State.  I urge everyone who owns a home but is not yet enrolled in this program to apply as soon as possible,” said state Sen. John Flanagan.  “This is money that our residents are entitled to and that they deserve.”

Enhanced STAR is for property owners who are 65 years and older with an annual income level of $79,650 or less. If the property is owned jointly by siblings or a married couple, only one of the owners must be 65 or above but the combined income level still must remain at or below the $79,650 threshold.

To be approved for Enhanced STAR, those who meet the criteria must file income verification forms with their town assessor’s office.  If approved, annual renewal is required unless a property owner opts to sign up for the state’s Income Verification Program, which allows the assessor to automatically verify your income annually through the New York State Department of Tax and Finance.

The STAR exemption applies only to primary residences and is only applicable to one address regardless of age or income.

For more information regarding the STAR program and links to applications, homeowners can visit Sen. Flanagan’s web site at flanagan.nysenate.gov and click on the STAR program information section on the home page.