Homeowners must register with New York State to keep their Basic STAR exemptions; registration will protect taxpayers from millions in fraud
Albany, NY – October 4, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that, after just six weeks, more than one million homeowners have registered with New York State for their Basic STAR exemptions. Basic STAR saves New York homeowners $700 every year on average, but is only available on the primary residence of owners with incomes below $500,000. A study by the Department of Taxation and Finance last year found that thousands of individuals with multiple properties were receiving more than one STAR exemption. This registration will ensure that homeowners only receive one STAR exemption for their primary residence.
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“In just six weeks, more than one million homeowners have registered for their STAR exemptions, a huge boost in our efforts to protect New Yorkers from fraud in the program while ensuring eligible homeowners continue to receive the tax relief they deserve,” Governor Cuomo said. “I encourage all New Yorkers who are eligible for STAR to follow the lead of these homeowners by registering for this tax exemption today.”
More than 90 percent of those who have registered completed their registration on the Tax Department’s website: www.tax.ny.gov. Online registration is fast, safe and easy.
“The response has been impressive to date, particularly with only 80% of the letters delivered thus far,” said Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas H. Mattox. “If you’re one of the homeowners who have yet to register, don’t delay – visit our website to register today. It will only take two to four minutes.”
Homeowners without internet access can call 518-457-2036 to register with a representative. The Tax Department is providing extended call center hours for STAR Registration: 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. Representatives will also be available on Columbus Day from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Homeowners must register with New York State even if they initially applied for Basic STAR with their local assessors.
Seniors receiving Enhanced STAR not impacted
Seniors receiving Enhanced STAR are not affected by the registration; they will continue to apply annually or participate in the Income Verification Program.
Extensive outreach
The State is conducting extensive outreach to all Basic STAR recipients to encourage registration. By October 10th, letters will be mailed to all 2.6 million Basic STAR recipients. The Tax Department is registering homeowners at more than 175 local events, and registered more than 3,000 homeowners at the State Fair alone.
Thousands of posters and palm cards have been mailed to local officials for distribution in local offices. Registration materials are available on the Tax Department’s website in seven languages.
The registration deadline is December 31, 2013.
For more information
- Register online at www.tax.ny.gov
- Call 518-457-2036 to register by phone
- STAR Registration Media Center includes graphics, fact sheets and other press-friendly links
- Youtube video
- Online demo
- Follow the Tax Department on Twitter for real-time STAR Registration updates
Contact:
Governor’s Press Office
NYC Press Office: 212.681.4640
Albany Press Office: 518.474.8418
press.office (at) exec.ny (dot) gov
