Seniors and Others Helped in Claiming STAR Benefits

Legislation (S.3576) sponsored by Senator Kenneth P. LaValle (R-C-I, Port Jefferson) and passed May 3 in the New York State Senate will help make it easier for property owners to claim STAR benefits if they missed the March 1 filing deadlines.

This is particularly important to senior citizens, who must remember to file for the enhanced STAR exemption each year. Missing the deadline, and therefore the exemption, could result in a homeowner facing an unexpected and significantly increased tax bill. LaValle’s bill instead authorizes municipalities to accept STAR applications after the locality’s taxable status date and before January 10 of the following year.

“My bill eliminates the angst that taxpayers are presently experiencing because of the dramatic increase in taxes as a result of missing the March 1st application deadline,”  said Senator LaValle.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.