UNDERSTANDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR OWNERS OVER AGE 65

UNDERSTANDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR OWNERS OVER AGE 65

ENHANCED STAR

Who qualifies?

  • At least one homeowner must be 65 years of age or older.
  • Combined income of qualifying owners and spouses must be below the annual New York State income limit.

Benefit:

  • Provides a larger school tax savings than Basic STAR.
  • Applies only to school taxes.-You must respond to NY State if they ask you for income information to verify your Enhanced Star. NON COMPLIANCE WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE ENHANCED STAR.

Important:

  • Eligible seniors receiving Basic STAR are generally upgraded by New York State to Enhanced STAR automatically. THE ASSESSORS’ OFFICE CANNOT ADMINISTER THIS UPGRADE

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SENIOR CITIZENS LOW-INCOME EXEMPTION (Senior Exemption)

Who qualifies?

  • Homeowners age 65 or older.
  • Must meet local income requirements established by New York State and adopted by the municipality. Each municipality (school, county, town and village) may be different

Benefit:

  • Can reduce a home's assessed value by up to 50%, lowering property taxes.
  • Unlike STAR, this exemption can reduce taxes beyond just the school portion.

Important:

  • This exemption is administered through the local Assessor's Office.
  • Income limits are significantly lower than the Enhanced STAR program.
  • YOU MUST REAPPLY EACH YEAR TO CONTINUE RECEIVING THIS EXEMPTION WITH YOUR LOCAL ASSESSORS’ OFFICE. Annual renewal is required to verify continued eligibility and income qualifications. If you do not renew by March 1 of every year, the exemption will be removed.

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Can I Receive More Than One Benefit?

Yes. Many eligible seniors receive:

  • Enhanced STAR for school tax relief, and
  • The Senior Citizens Low-Income Exemption for additional property tax savings.
  • If qualified, a homeowner can receive both exemptions.