An Important Message About School Property Tax Savings

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today reminded seniors who turn 65 any time in the year 2007 that they are eligible to receive the Enhanced STAR benefit for additional savings on their school property taxes.

Senator Larkin said, "You can actually sign up for and receive the benefit now if you are 64 years of age and turn 65 later this year. This may really help you with this year’s taxes."

In most areas of the state, the deadline to apply for Enhanced STAR is March 1, 2007.

Seniors who turn 65 this year should contact their local assessor by March 1st and get the answers to any other questions they may have as well.

If you are 65 or older and have not yet applied for Enhanced STAR, please do so today!

The Enhanced STAR exemption is available to homeowners 65 years of age or older whose total combined annual income did not exceed $67,850 in 2005.

Because of the Senate’s insistence last year to exempt more of the full value of seniors’ homes from school taxes as well as permanently adjust the income limits each year to reflect cost-of-living increases, more of the state’s seniors are now eligible for these benefits.

Senator Larkin said, "I don’t want you to miss out on tax savings that may be available to you! So again, please contact your assessor to apply for Enhanced STAR."