STAR Rebate Extension

News From New York State
Senator Shirley L. Huntley
For Immediate Release: May 4, 2011
Contact: Bryant G. Gaspard| gaspard@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

Senator Shirley L. Huntley Announces Passage of Legislation to Extend Application Deadline
for STAR Program Participants

 “While we continue to focus on providing long-term relief, this bill ensures that hardworking homeowners will not miss out on the relief they are already entitled to receive from the State of New York,” Senator Huntley (D-Jamaica) said today in announcing passage of legislation which will allow municipalities to accept late applications for the STAR (New York State School Tax Relief) program.

Applications for the STAR program are typically due by March 1st; however, under the new legislation (S. 3576), the local assessor can accept applications for all exemptions up to the last day that a taxpayer can pay the first half of their taxes, without incurring a penalty.  The Senate’s bill will ensure busy and struggling homeowners do not miss out on their tax relief benefits.

The star rebate program is very important to homeowners in Southeast Queens who encompass much of the 10th senatorial district.  Those who apply to the STAR program do so in hopes of reducing the heavy burden property taxes have on their financial coffers and families. Working class families will be afforded extra time to take advantage of this savings on property taxes.

“Allowing municipalities to adopt a local law authorizing the assessor to accept late applications for the STAR exemption is a common sense approach to providing property tax relief,” said Senator Huntley. “I am proud to partner with Governor Andrew Cuomo and my colleagues in the Legislature as we work to deliver immediate and long-term relief for homeowners.”

Extending the deadline may also allow for more homeowners to apply and see if they’re eligible for a STAR rebate.  During these difficult economic times, families in Southeast Queens, most notably in Jamaica, are facing foreclosures and need to be informed about any cost saving measures for their homes.

Due to New York State having some of the highest property taxes in the nation, as well as a high cost of living, middle class families are being forced out of New York State.  The STAR rebate program is one of many initiatives to keep residents in New York and property taxes down.

About STAR
The STAR program, broken out into two parts, provides New York homeowners with partial exemptions from school property taxes. Basic STAR is available for owner-occupied, primary residences where the owners’ total income is less than $500,000. Basic STAR works by exempting the first $30,000 of the full value of a home from school taxes.

Enhanced STAR provides an increased benefit for the primary residences of senior citizens (age 65 and older) with qualifying incomes. For qualifying seniors, Enhanced STAR exempts the first $60,100 of the full value of their home from school taxes.

Additional news available at www.huntley.nysenate.gov or www.facbook.com
New York State Senate Email | shuntley@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531