Update on the STAR Program

New legislation requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive STAR exemptions in 2014 and subsequent years. There are two types of STAR exemptions:

Basic STAR

• available for owner-occupied, primary residences where the resident owners and their spouses' income is less than $500,000
• exempts the first $30,000 of the full value of a home from school taxes

Enhanced STAR

• provides an increased benefit for the primary residences of senior citizens (age 65 and older) with qualifying incomes
• exempts the first $63,300 of the full value of a home from school taxes as of 2013-14 school tax bills (up from $62,200 in 2012-13)

Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not impacted by the new registration process. However, in order to receive the Enhanced STAR, seniors must continue to:

• apply annually, or
• participate in the Income Verification program.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871