Senator Serino’s Important Message to Taxpayers

Senator Serino’s Important Message to Taxpayers

Poughkeepsie, NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) released the following statement today to remind taxpayers of an important opportunity to save on their school tax bill:

“As your new State Senator, I pledge to work tirelessly to ease your tax burden and help improve your quality of life here in the Hudson Valley. Today, I want to remind residents of the 41^st District of an important opportunity to apply for additional savings on your school tax bill through the “Enhanced” STAR rebate program.

You might qualify for the “Enhanced” STAR school tax exemption if you:

• own your primary residence;
• meet the income requirements; and
• turn 65 years of age at any time during 2015.

It is important to note that the “Enhanced” STAR exemption can be more than twice the value of the “Basic” STAR exemption.

In order to receive the Enhanced benefit, in Putnam and Dutchess counties, you need to apply by March 1, 2015. Even if you don’t turn 65 until later this year, you need to apply before this deadline. Unless you are already receiving “Enhanced” STAR through a spouse or sibling who is over 65, you need to file an application with your local assessor before this hard deadline.

For school taxes for the 2015-16 school year, the “Enhanced” STAR exemption is available to homeowners 65 years of age or older whose income did not exceed $83,300 in 2013 (based on your 2013 tax return). For property jointly owned by spouses or siblings, only one of the owners needs to be 65, and eligibility is based on the combined income of the owners. If you exceed the income limit, you are still eligible to continue receiving the “Basic” STAR exemption.

Like you, I know that our taxes are too high. Benefits like Enhanced STAR play a critical role in alleviating some of that burden and allowing our seniors to stay in their home. I encourage all residents who meet the above criteria to take advantage of this benefit by contacting their local assessors before the March 1^st deadline.”

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