(STAR) Tax Relief Program Deadline Is This Friday

With Friday’s deadline fast approaching for residents to apply for the School Tax Relief Program (STAR), Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) is reminding local residents about the assistance the program can provide homeowners. The STAR program is available for owner-occupied primary residences on either the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR levels.

“The STAR program provides residents with valuable tax relief during these fiscally challenging times,” said Lupinacci. “While the state no longer provides a check to residents, the savings can still be seen in your school tax bills. I strongly encourage homeowners who may be eligible for the program to apply, and especially encourage those who will be turning 65 this year to contact their local assessor to find out more about the Enhanced STAR program before March 1.”

Residents who own their primary residence, which is a one-, two- or three-family house, condominium, cooperative apartment or mobile home and earn less than $500,000 a year are eligible to apply for the Basic STAR program. There is no age limit for Basic STAR and residents do not need to reapply each year, unless they move to a new primary residence.

Residents who turn 65 at any time during the year 2013 may be eligible for the Enhanced STAR exemption.  In addition to being 65 or older, you must own property that you use as your primary residence, and the total annual adjusted gross income minus the taxable amount of IRA distributions of all the owners of the property must be $79,050 or less, based on 2011 income tax returns.

If you meet these qualifications, you must complete a separate application for Enhanced STAR and include a copy of your 2011 income tax return.

Additional information is available for the Town of Huntington by contacting:
Assessor’s Office
100 Main Street
Huntington, New York 11743
Phone:  (631) 351-3226

http://huntingtonny.gov/department_details.cfm?ID=26