Tax savings under the STAR
program
The New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) program provides a partial
exemption from school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary
residences. If you own and live in your home, you’re eligible for one of
the two STAR exemptions, either the “Basic” STAR exemption, or the
“Enhanced” STAR exemption.
Basic STAR
All homeowners are eligible for the Basic STAR exemption regardless of
age or income. Basic STAR works by exempting $30,000 of the full value
of a home from school taxes.
Enhanced STAR
Senior citizens (age 65 and older) whose yearly household incomes don’t
exceed $60,000 are eligible to receive the Enhanced STAR exemption. For
qualifying senior citizens, the Enhanced STAR program exempts $50,000 of
the full value of their home from school property taxes. Applicants for
the Enhanced STAR exemption must be 65 years of age as of December 31 of
the year in which the exemption will begin.
Application process
Even though all homeowners are eligible for a STAR exemption, please
note that the savings are not automatic. To receive your STAR tax cut,
you must file an application with your local property assessor by March
1. If you have applied previously and been granted the Basic STAR
exemption you do not need to reapply. However, remember to notify your
assessor if your primary residence changes. Most seniors receiving the
Enhanced exemption will need to reapply.
To obtain an application or for more information, contact your
town assessor’s office.
