SENATOR NOZZOLIO REMINDING HOMEOWNERS THAT DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE STAR PROGRAM IS MARCH 1st

State Senator Mike Nozzolio is reminding homeowners that this Thursday, March 1^st, is the deadline to apply for or reapply for the STAR school tax exemption program.

“Thousands of families and seniors across New York State have benefited from the financial relief provided under the STAR program," said Senator Nozzolio. "As one of the State Senators who fought to establish STAR, I encourage every homeowner to review their personal circumstances to determine if they need to file paperwork with their local assessor.  I want everyone to make sure that they are receiving the full savings they are entitled to under this important program.”

If a person has applied for and receives the Basic STAR exemption, he or she does not have to reapply. However, individuals who have moved and new homeowners must apply by the March 1^st deadline.

In addition, seniors who own their primary residence can qualify for the “Enhanced” STAR exemption - an exemption that can be more than twice the value of the Basic exemption. In order to qualify for Enhanced STAR, an individual must have an income of $79,050 or less and be at least 65 years old or turning 65 at any point during 2012.

Seniors who already get Enhanced STAR must reapply with their local assessor each year, unless they have previously signed up to have their income verified automatically by the State Department of Taxation and Finance.

For more information on the STAR program and the applications for Basic and Enhanced STAR, visit the State Department of Taxation and Finance’s website here or call 518-591-5232.