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New York State Department of Taxation and Finance August 26, 2013
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Tax Department Sending 550,000 STAR Registration Letters to Homeowners in 17 Western Region CountiesProgram will save New York taxpayers millions by eliminating fraud and abuse |
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced today that it has started mailing letters to approximately 550,000 homeowners in 17 Western Region counties reminding them to register for the Basic STAR tax exemption. The mass outreach is part of a statewide campaign that will reach 2.6 million homeowners across New York. The registration facilitates Governor Cuomo’s 2013-14 Budget initiative to save New York taxpayers millions by eliminating inappropriate STAR property tax exemptions. Homeowners have until December 31, 2013 to register – by telephone or online. From August 26 to 30, the Department will send letters to homeowners receiving the Basic STAR exemption in these counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates. The STAR exemption is only available on a homeowner’s primary residence – though an investigation by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance showed some homeowners were claiming the exemption on more than one property. “When you receive your letter- don’t delay,” Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox said. “The registration is fast, secure and easy and means you can continue to receive the hundreds of dollars in Basic STAR savings each year.” The STAR exemption is available for owner-occupied, primary residences where the combined income of resident owners and their spouses is $500,000 or less. Married couples with multiple residences are only eligible to receive one STAR exemption. The registration applies only to Basic STAR recipients. Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not affected by the registration. In order to continue receiving Enhanced STAR, seniors must continue to apply annually or participate in the Income Verification Program. STAR Registration applies to Basic STAR exemptions for 2014 and beyond; it doesn’t impact 2013 exemptions. Homeowners will not have to re-register every year – based on the information provided in the registration process, the Tax Department will monitor homeowners’ eligibility in future years. Easy Registration Online or by Phone The Tax Department will mail letters to all 2.6 million Basic STAR recipients by early October. The letter includes registration instructions for the Department’s easy, fast, and secure online application. It also provides homeowners with a telephone number for registration or For more information
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