December 21, 2007 – Acting New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Barbara G. Billet today reminded New York homeowners that they have until midnight on Monday, December 31, to apply for their 2007 Middle Class STAR Rebate Program check.
“This rebate program provides direct relief to middle class New Yorkers who need it most, and it is our Department’s goal to reach as many homeowners as possible. We want all eligible New York homeowners to take advantage of this unique $1.3 billion property tax cut,” Acting Commissioner Billet said.
Between July and October, the Tax Department mailed more than 2.7 million notices and applications to property owners throughout New York State who receive the basic STAR exemption on their school tax bills, inviting them to apply for a rebate check under the STAR program.
Rebate checks are calculated on a sliding scale based on income, with the maximum benefit going to all upstate homeowners earning $90,000 or less, and all NYC metropolitan region homeowners earning $120,000 or less. The difference in threshold levels corresponds to the difference in average regional incomes and cost of living. The benefit gradually diminishes as income exceeds these thresholds until a homeowner’s income reaches $250,000. Taxpayers earning over $250,000 are not eligible for new relief, but will continue to receive their current STAR benefit.
To receive a rebate check, homeowners only have to verify the property information provided on the application, enter the names, social security numbers, and all required information for all resident property owners and their spouses, verify the mailing address, and submit the application.
The Tax Department has updated information on its website, www.nystax.gov, or through the STAR hotline at 1-877-678-2769. Spanish speakers can also use the hotline for information.
Homeowners can go online to view a sample application and instructions, read a list of Frequently Asked Questions, and find out how much they will most likely receive in their rebate check.
For more information about the program, please visit the Tax Department’s website at http://www.nystax.gov/ or call the STAR hotline at 1-877-678-2769.
