What is STAR? STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief program that provides a partial exemption from school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences.
Q: What exemptions are available under the STAR program? A: (1) The Basic STAR Exemption is for all homeowners, regardless of age, with an annual household income of $500,000 or less. (2) The Enhanced STAR Exemption is available to senior citizen homeowners who are 65 years of age or older, during the year in which the exemption takes effect, and whose annual income does not exceed $83,300. Senior citizens whose annual income exceeds $83,300 may still be eligible for the Basic STAR Exemption.
Q: Will the income limit always be $83,300? A: No. Please check the income limit every year to see if you qualify.
Q: How will I know how much my STAR Exemption is worth in terms of tax dollars? A: Your school tax bill will state the amount of the STAR Exemption and your tax savings.
Q: Does the STAR Exemption apply to all taxes on my property? A: No. The STAR Exemption applies only to the school district taxes. It does not apply to library taxes.
Q: What types of properties may be eligible? A: To be eligible for either the Enhanced STAR or Basic STAR Exemption, persons must own and live in a one, two, or three-family residence, mobile home, farm home, condominium, cooperative apartment or multiple use property of which a portion is used by the owner as a primary residence.
Q: What is meant by primary residence? A: There is no single factor that determines whether a property is your primary residence, but factors such as voting, vehicle registrations, and length of time spent each year on the property may be relevant. The assessor may request proof of residence after the exemption has been granted to verify that the property remains your primary residence.
Q: I own more than one residential property. Can I receive the STAR Exemption on all the residences I own? A: No. The STAR Exemption can be applied only to your primary residence.
Q: If I currently receive a Senior Citizens’ Property Tax Exemption, can I also receive the Enhanced STAR Exemption? A: Yes. Low-income seniors who receive the Senior Citizens’ Exemption automatically qualify for the Enhanced STAR Exemption.
Q: What is the filing process for non-seniors or seniors whose combined income exceeds $83,300? A: Homeowners must file a Basic STAR application with the Nassau County Department of Assessment. Property owners who are granted the Basic STAR Exemption usually do not need to reapply in subsequent years, unless a new deed is filed on the property. A written notification must be received by the assessor within 60 days of the date of any change in deed or primary residence.
Q: If I filed for an Enhanced STAR Exemption and it was approved, must I re-file? A: Yes! A renewal application will automatically be sent to you each year, unless you sign up for the Income Verification Program. The renewal must be filed by January 2.
Q: What is the Income Verification Program? A: If you file a NYS Income Tax Return every year, you have the option of having your income verified for the exemption by the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance for future years. If you choose to have your income verified by the state, you will automatically be renewed every year based on financial eligibility.
Q: When must I file the STAR application? A: STAR applications are accepted throughout the year and must be filed by January 2 to be applied to the upcoming school tax year.
Q: Where do I obtain and file the application? A: Applications can be obtained and must be filed with the Nassau County Department of Assessment located at 240 Old Country Road, 4th Floor, Mineola, New York 11501- 8402. STAR applications can also be obtained by following the links on-line at https:///www.mynassauproperty.com or by calling (516) 571-1500.
Q: Do I have to prove my age for Enhanced STAR? A: Yes. The first time you apply for the Enhanced Star Exemption, you must give satisfactory proof of age, such as a birth certificate, passport, military record, driver’s license, or immigration document. The applicant must be 65 years of age by December 31st of the year the exemption takes effect. For property owned by siblings or a husband and wife, only one resident owner has to be at least 65-years- old. Homeowners applying for the Basic STAR Exemption do not have to supply proff of age. www.nassaucountyny.gov/documentcenter/view/2048