Politics & Government

Lavine: Registration For STAR Tax Exemption Required

The state assemblyman says the STAR program offers vital tax relief to Nassau County homeowners.

Residents who currently receive the Basic STAR Tax Exemption must register with Department of Taxation and Finance from Aug. 19-Dec. 31 in order to continue receiving an exemption in 2014 and subsequent years.

Registration is required because of new provisions that aim to protect New Yorkers from inappropriate or fraudulent STAR exemptions, according to Assemb. Charles Lavine, D-Glen Cove. That includes all homeowners currently not only receiving the Basic STAR exemption on their primary residence but also earning less than $500,000. They will not need to re-register each year thereafter.

“The STAR program is so important to homeowners across the state, especially here in Nassau County, in terms of tax relief, that it is vital they do not let this registration period slip by without doing what’s necessary to continue their exemption,” he said, in a statement. 

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“The new provisions that are in place are designed to weed out abuses that have occurred in the past and provide homeowners with the savings to which they are entitled,” he added.

Seniors who receive Enhanced STAR are exempt from the new requirements and will not need to register to continue participation in the program. Enhanced STAR recipients must continue to apply annually or participate in the Income Verification Program as they have in the past. No new instructions will be issued regarding Enhanced STAR as there are no new requirements.

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First time applicants for the Basic STAR exemption must file Form RP-425, Application for School Tax Relief Exemption, with the Nassau County Assessor’s office. Applications are available on the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website www.tax.ny.gov.

Instructions for filing along with a registration STAR code, which is required to file, will be mailed to all homeowners currently receiving the Basic STAR exemption. The fastest and easiest way for homeowners to register  through the Department of Taxation and Finance’s website at www.tax.ny.gov. Residents can also register by phone at 518-457-2036. Registration support is also available by calling 518-457-2036.

Glen Cove residents needing additional assistance are encouraged to call Levine at  516-676-0050.



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