Today at the New York State Fair, New York State Tax Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox had the opportunity to register a fellow commissioner for STAR– Darrel Aubertine of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, which oversees the Fair. 

“STAR Registration is a great example of the diverse services and products available to Fairgoers,” said Commissioner Aubertine.  “The Tax Department’s registration program is fast and easy, and the staff at the booth are able to assist with any questions homeowners might have.”

“We thank Commissioner Aubertine for stopping by our booth today to register for his Basic STAR exemption,” said Commissioner Mattox.  “We encourage all New Yorkers to visit us at the Fair - or on our Web site - to register as soon as possible.”

In the first six days of the State Fair, more than 1,250 homeowners have registered for STAR at the Tax Department’s booth in the Center of Progress.  More than 60,000 additional homeowners have registered on the Tax Department’s Web site or by calling 518-457-2036.

Statewide, the Tax Department is mailing letters to 2.6 million homeowners notifying them that they must register for the Basic STAR property tax exemption.

The registration is part of Governor Cuomo’s initiative to save New York taxpayers millions of dollars by eliminating inappropriate STAR exemptions.  

The Basic STAR exemption saves the average homeowner $700, but it is only available on a homeowner’s primary residence.  Yet a study by the Tax Department found that thousands of homeowners are receiving more than one exemption.   

Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not impacted by the registration.

The Tax Department says registration is fast, secure and easy and will take most homeowners less than five minutes.  Taxpayers have until December 31, 2013 to complete the registration, but the Department is encouraging homeowners to register as soon as they receive their letters. 

To register for STAR, visit www.tax.ny.gov or call 518-457-2036.

For more information

• Visit the Tax Department’s STAR Registration Media Center for graphics, fact sheets, a list of local events and other press-friendly links
• Follow us on Twitter for real-time STAR Registration updates - @NYSTaxNews

PHOTOS