NOTICE
1. NEW STAR Tax Relief Credit applicants must register with the NYS Tax Department online at www.tax.ny.gov or by calling 518-457-2036.
The STAR Tax Relief Credit is not an exemption and does not reduce your school bill. You will receive a check from NYS instead (around the same time that school bills go out). Those receiving the STAR exemption may keep receiving the exemption or switch to STAR Credit. In order to switch, you must call the Assessor’s office to remove the exemption. You will then be able to register with NYS for the STAR Credit.
Basic STAR Credit: Available to residential property owners who live in the house for at least six (6) months out of the year as their “Primary Residence”. Applicants need only register once. The STAR Credit will remain on property provided that the owner continues to live in the residence. STAR Credit rates are set by New York State and can vary from year-to-year. In order to qualify, your income must be under $500,000.
Enhanced STAR Credit: Same as Basic STAR Credit but a larger credit for seniors 65+ years of age. Credit rates are set by NYS and can vary from year-to-year. Property owners must be 65+ years or older**, live in the residence, and meet certain income requirements in order to qualify. [** In the case of married couples or joint owners (siblings only), only one is required to meet the age requirement, as long as the qualifying person is on the property deed.] For more detailed information regarding the STAR Credit program, call the NYS at the above number of go online at the above link.
2. Enhanced STAR EXEMPTION – For those who are receiving the Basic STAR exemption, apply for the Enhanced STAR exemption with the Assessor’s office the year you are turning 65 before March 1st. It does not matter if you are turning 65 on December 31st; apply before March 1.
3. There is also a “Property Tax Freeze Credit” (completely different from the STAR Credit) from the NYS Tax Department. The Assessor’s office has nothing to do with this. For Property Tax Freeze Credit questions: 518-453-8146.