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Homeowners need to reregister for STAR exemptions

August 20, 2013 Editorial Staff

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Many New York homeowners will need to re-register in order to receive the basic STAR property tax exemption.

The state is requiring property owners to register again on line or by phone in order to eliminate people improperly taking exemptions for more than their primary residence, the only domicile covered under the exemption.

“This balanced approach protects the integrity of the STAR program and guards taxpayer dollars from those who seek to game the system,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo, who says the move will save millions of dollars for the state.

Approximately 2.6 million people qualify for the basic exemption. A married couple with a combined income of $500,000 or less is qualified for exemption amounting to $700 on their primary residence; those with multiple residences are only eligible for one exemption.

“Local assessors monitor Basic STAR in their communities, but do not have the ability to know if an individual is receiving STAR in any of the other 1,000 localities statewide,” said Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas Mattox. “It will eliminate inappropriate and fraudulent exemptions.”

Basic STAR recipients will receive letters in the mail regarding registration; senior citizens receiving the enhanced STAR exemption will not be affected by the change. Those qualified can register online at www.tax.ny.gov or call 518-457-2036 to speak with a representative; the deadline to reregister is December 31.