STAR Program

If you own your home, and are turning 65 or older anytime during 2011, and meet the income requirements, you may qualify for the “Enhanced” STAR program that can help reduce your school taxes this year. Enhanced STAR offers a bigger break on your property taxes than Basic STAR, which is available to most other homeowners.

You must apply for this important property tax relief benefit, and the deadline is March 1, 2011 in most towns and cities. (Exceptions include Utica, which has a deadline of Aug. 1; and Rome, with a deadline of July 26. But you can still send in your application now.) You won’t have to reapply every year if you enroll in the optional Income Verification Program.

For 2011, Enhanced STAR is available to homeowners 65 and older whose income did not exceed $79,050 during 2009. If your home is co-owned by a spouse or sibling, only one owner must be 65, and eligibility is based on the combined income of the owners.

As a first step, you need to complete the enclosed application, and return it to your local Assessor. I have also enclosed additional information that will answer many of your questions concerning Enhanced STAR, as well as a list of Assessors’ offices in your county. Please contact that office if you have additional questions.

New Yorkers need and deserve relief from high property taxes. Don’t miss out on this important benefit. I hope you find this information helpful.

Please reference this link for further information:

http://www.orps.state.ny.us/star/index.cfm