Senator Fuschillo Reminds Nassau County Residents to Save on Taxes Through Star Program & Other Property Tax Exemptions

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is reminding all Nassau County residents that they can save on their taxes through New York State’s STAR program and other property tax exemptions offered by Nassau County.

"New York State’s STAR program provides homeowners with hundreds of dollars in school tax savings,” said Senator Fuschillo. “All homeowners are eligible to receive savings through the STAR program, and I urge anyone who has not already signed up for this program to take advantage of these valuable school property tax savings. Residents should also know that there are other property tax exemptions in addition to STAR for which they may qualify and save additional money.”

The STAR program works in two parts:

- Basic STAR is available to all New Yorkers who own and live in their own home, condominium, or cooperative apartment, regardless of income level or age.

- Enhanced STAR is available to senior citizen property owners whose federal adjusted gross income is under $79,050 and who will be age 65 or older by December 31, 2011. If the property is owned by a husband and wife, or by siblings, only one of them must be at least 65 years old to qualify for this exemption.   

Residents who already receive the Basic STAR exemption or who participate in the Enhanced STAR Income Verification Program do not need to re-file.  

 Residents who moved to a new house and had the STAR exemption at their previous address need to file a new application. The STAR exemption is not automatically transferred to a new address. 

Nassau County also offers other property tax exemptions in addition to the STAR program. Veterans, senior citizens, members of volunteer fire departments and ambulance companies, individuals with disabilities and limited incomes, and first-time homebuyers who purchase newly constructed homes may also be eligible for additional tax exemptions. 

The deadline to file applications for the STAR program and other property tax exemptions is January 3, 2011. 

Residents who need additional information about the Basic or Enhanced STAR program or need applications can click here. STAR applications and information about the other tax exemptions can also be obtained by contacting the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500.       

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