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The New York State STAR Program

STAR stands for School Tax Relief Program.  This is a tax savings opportunity that should not be missed by anyone eligible. It provides a tax reduction benefit for all New Yorkers who own their home and use it as their primary residence.  There are two levels of benefits: Basic STAR for most homeowners; and Enhanced STAR for qualified senior citizens. 

Basic Star Program:

The exemption is for primary residential property, such as homes, condominiums, and cooperative apartments. The STAR exemption can be granted to a portion of a "mixed-use" property that serves as the primary residence of the owner although the property is not primarily residential in character.

Here are some primary rules as to how the program (exemption) works:

• The exemption is allowed for only one home
• The exemption only applies to school tax
• The exemption amount varies by town. You have to check with your local tax assessor's office for the reduction amount specific to your town
• Regardless of home value, the same set exemption amount applies
• Homes in construction which have only been partially assessed as of June 1 will not qualify until the home has been fully assessed and/or constructed.

STAR Exemption transfers with title, but the new residential owner must return a verification application (this should generate automatically from the tax assessor's office - but it's worth a phone call to confirm) If verification is not received by the tax assessor's office after title transfer the exemption will be removed.

Westchester County applications must be to the tax assessors office on or before June 1 to realize school tax reductions in September of the same year. Applications submitted after this date will be applied to the following year.

Enhanced Star Program:

Seniors can enjoy the Enhanced STAR Exemption if the below qualifications in addition to the above criteria are met:

• Income in excess of $60,000 will not qualify, but can still qualify for basic star exemption.
• Must be 65+
• Must renew every year

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