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Some senior citizens may now qualify for additional STAR property tax relief

Posted 2/19/11

State Sen. Patty Ritchie is urging Northern New Yorkers who will be 65 or older this year to check to see whether they qualify for an additional reduction in their property taxes. Deadlines to apply …

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Some senior citizens may now qualify for additional STAR property tax relief

Posted

State Sen. Patty Ritchie is urging Northern New Yorkers who will be 65 or older this year to check to see whether they qualify for an additional reduction in their property taxes.

Deadlines to apply for the Enhanced STAR property tax relief program--available to homeowners who turn 65 or older this year--are fast approaching.

New York State’s School Tax Relief Program, STAR, is available to seniors in most communities. The application deadline is March 1.

The Basic STAR is available to anyone who earns less than $500,000 a year. There is no age limit for Basic STAR, which exempts the first $30,000 of the full value of a home from school taxes. Once a homeowner is approved for Basic STAR, they'll receive the tax break each year unless they move, Ritchie said.

If you or your spouse turn 65 at any time in 2011, you may be eligible for the Enhanced STAR exemption. You must own property that you use as your primary residence, and the total annual income of all the owners of the property must be $79,050 or less, based on 2009 Income Tax Returns.

“If you qualify, the program exempts the first $60,100 of the full value of your home from school taxes," she said.

A town assessor’s office can provide you with an application and answer any questions. Residents of the city of Ogdensburg must apply by April 1.