Senator Fuschillo Reminds Nassau County Residents to Save on School Taxes Through New York State’s Star Program

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is reminding all Nassau County residents to take advantage of New York State’s STAR program and other tax exemptions to help save money on their property taxes.

     "Eligible homeowners can save hundreds of dollars on their school taxes through New York State’s STAR program,” said Senator Fuschillo. “Additionally, Nassau County offers other exemptions which could provide further savings to homeowners. Residents who haven’t already applied for STAR or other property tax exemptions shouldn’t pass up the chance to obtain valuable tax savings.”

     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 whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $500,000, regardless of age. 
• Enhanced STAR is available to senior citizen property owners whose adjusted gross income is under $79,050 and who will be age 65 or older by December 31, 2013. 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.

     In addition, Nassau County also offers other property tax exemptions, including:

• Senior citizens
• Veterans
• Cold War veterans
• Volunteer firefighters or ambulance service workers
• Persons with disabilities & limited incomes
• First-time homebuyers of newly constructed homes

     Residents who need additional information about any of these exemptions, or who need applications, can contact the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500 or visit www.nassaucountyny.gov. The application filing deadline is January 2, 2013.