Councilman David G. Greenfield is reminding homeowners about the December 31st deadline to complete a new mandatory one-time registration with the state in order to continue receiving their STAR homeowner partial exemption on school property taxes for 2014 and the following years. This is a new requirement instituted this year by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and was explained to homeowners in letters recently sent to all basic STAR recipients in the five boroughs. Even though residents initially applied for the basic STAR exemption through New York City, this new registration requirement has been instituted by the State, which funds the program, to help ensure that only eligible recipients receive this benefit. Homeowners who receive an exemption through the enhanced STAR program are not required to take action at this time, as there already is a separate process in place through the City to verify eligibility.

“This is a new requirement, so I want to make sure that every homeowner who receives the STAR exemption is aware that they must register with the state before the quickly-approaching December 31 deadline to remain enrolled in this program. I know how important this benefit is to many families, which is why my office is ready to assist anyone who needs help completing the registration process. Every dollar counts, especially in these tough economic times, so make sure you register with the state before the end of the year,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Residents who still need to register in order to continue receiving the STAR exemption can log on to tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star13/default.htm or call (518) 457-2036 to begin the process. This important benefit saves the average homeowner about $300 annually, and the city estimates that 250,000 New York City households out of 564,000 that currently receive the exemption are in danger of losing it if they do not register by December 31st. In addition, any homeowner not currently receiving the STAR exemption that would like to apply should visit nyc.gov/html/dof/html/property/star.shtml to download the necessary application form. The program is open to homeowners with a total income of less than $500,000 and only applies to primary residences.

For more information on the STAR program or help completing the mandatory registration, please contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

(YWN Desk – NYC)