SENATE PASSES BILLS MAKING IT EASIER TO OBTAIN STAR EXEMPTIONS

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to simplify the process for senior citizens and other qualifying homeowners to apply for and receive their STAR property tax exemption. 

Legislation (S1924), sponsored by Senator Kemp Hannon (R, C, I, - Garden City), would eliminate the requirement that senior citizens reapply for the STAR property tax exemption every year.

     "Senior citizens are currently required to reapply annually for a senior citizens' real property tax exemption, which is both unnecessary and cumbersome," said Senator Hannon. "This bill will place the responsibility for checking income requirements on the taxing authority, instead of making seniors prove their eligibility every year.  By relieving seniors of this burden, they can more effectively budget, control and determine their financial futures."
A bill (S3576) sponsored by Senator Kenneth LaValle (R-C-I, Port Jefferson), would enable local tax assessors to accept late applications for all exemptions without penalty up to the last day that a taxpayer can pay the first half of their taxes.

"This legislation eliminates confusing exceptions in the real property tax law and enables taxpayers to receive every bit of tax relief they are eligible for," Senator LaValle said.

Both bills will be sent to the Assembly.