Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua) is reminding local homeowners to re-apply to receive their STAR Property Tax Exemption.
The program, which saves the average New York homeowner $700 per year, requires renewal before the end of the year and many homeowners still have not renewed their exemption. The deadline to apply to receive the exemption on this year’s tax bill is December 31. The new guidelines do not affect homeowners age 65 or above enrolled in Enhanced STAR.
In compliance with new guidelines meant to prevent fraud and abuse of STAR benefits, participants must sign up by telephone or online with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to continue their exemption for 2014 and beyond. To register, visit www.tax.ny.gov or call (518) 457-2036.
Meanwhile, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office is advising taxpayers to beware of solicitations offering a fee-based service to apply for the STAR property tax exemption.
The governor’s office says that new homeowners have received letters offering to enroll them in the STAR Program for a substantial fee equivalent to the full amount of the taxpayers’ first year savings – which averages $700 statewide and can be as high as $3,000 for senior citizens in the Lower Hudson Valley and on Long Island.
The governor emphasizes that registration to the STAR Program is free, convenient and can be done by telephone or website.
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