Larkin Reminds Homeowners to Apply for Star by March 1st

William J. Larkin Jr.

February 17, 2010

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) is reminding homeowners that the deadline to apply for the (Basic and Enhanced) STAR property tax exemption is March 1, 2010.

Basic STAR, which exempts $30,000 of a home’s value from school taxes, is available to all New Yorkers who own and live in their home. Assuming you do not move, you only need to apply for this exemption once.

Enhanced STAR, which exempts $60,100 of a home’s value from school taxes, is available to homeowners 65 years of age or older whose income did not exceed $74,700 in 2008. Enhanced STAR recipients have to reapply every year for this benefit, unless they participate in the STAR Income Verification Program. Ask your assessor about enrolling in this program and for additional details about Enhanced STAR eligibility.

"Every little bit helps when it comes to paying school taxes," said Senator Larkin. "So if you are one of the few homeowners who have never applied for STAR in the past, or if you think that you may be eligible for Enhanced STAR, you should contact your local assessor immediately so that you don’t miss out on these important property tax savings."