Senator Fuschillo Reminds Town of Babylon Residents That Property Tax Exemption Filing Period Now Underway

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is reminding all Town of Babylon residents that the filing period to apply for New York State’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program and other property tax exemptions in the Town of Babylon is currently underway. The filing period runs through March 1st.

     "Eligible homeowners can save hundreds of dollars on their school taxes through New York State’s STAR program,” said Senator Fuschillo. “Additionally, the Town of Babylon offers other exemptions which could provide further savings to homeowners. Residents who have not already applied for STAR or other property tax exemptions should not miss the opportunity to obtain valuable tax savings.”

     New York State’s 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 combined total adjusted gross income does not exceed $500,000, regardless of age.

     · Enhanced STAR is available to senior citizen property owners whose combined total adjusted gross income (less any IRA distributions) 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, the Town of Babylon also offers other property tax exemptions, including:

     · Senior citizens

     · Veterans

     · Cold War veterans

     · First-time homebuyer of newly constructed homes

     · Volunteer firefighters or ambulance service workers

     · Persons with disabilities & limited incomes

     · Capital improvements

     Residents can obtain applications for any of these exemptions by clicking the link below. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2013.

Information about tax exemptions in the Town of Babylon

* STAR (Basic and Enhanced)

* Senior Citizen

* Volunteer Firefighter & Ambulance Service Workers

* First-Time Homebuyers

* Veterans

* Cold War Veterans

* Individuals with Disabilities

* Capital Improvements