NYS STAR Program Update

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hand over of house keys

New York State made changes to its Basic STAR program. Highlights include:

Statewide STAR Registration Launched

On August 20, 2013, The New York State Tax Department unveiled a secure online STAR Registration platform for homeowners currently receiving the Basic STAR property tax exemption.

  • The STAR Program is only available for an individual's or family's primary residence.
  • The Tax Department is mailing letters to all 2.6 million Basic STAR recipients. 
  • The deadline for completing the registration is December 31, 2013.

Senior Citizens Receiving Enhanced STAR Not Impacted

The registration applies only to Basic STAR recipients; senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not impacted.  In order to continue receiving Enhanced STAR, seniors must continue to apply annually or participate in the Income Verification Program.  

Eligibility for Basic STAR

The Basic STAR exemption is available for owner-occupied, primary residences where the combined income of resident owners and their spouses is $500,000 or less. Married couples with multiple residences are only eligible to receive one Basic STAR exemption.  

Registration Affects Exemptions in 2014 and Beyond

The registration program will impact Basic STAR exemptions for 2014 and beyond, but homeowners will not have to re-register every year – based on the information provided in the registration process.

More information on STAR registration can be found here.