Exemption for 2014 is not Automatic, Registration Required to Renew

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz reminded residents to take action to ensure that they are registered in the new STAR Registration Program, part of Governor Cuomo’s initiative to protect New York residents against the costs of fraudulent or inappropriate STAR exemptions. The new program requires all homeowners eligible for and/or currently receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the NYS Tax Department in order to receive the exemption for 2014 and subsequent years. This exemption is not automatic, and eligible homeowners must register to qualify.

“I encourage all eligible homeowners in Erie County to register for the Basic STAR exemption as soon as possible to take advantage of this program,” said Poloncarz. “Residents will be receiving information about this in the mail from the New York State Tax Department, with easy-to-follow instructions on how to get registered. This program will help to cut down on fraud and abuse in the system while certifying that only eligible and appropriate homeowners get the STAR exemption.”

The STAR program gives homeowners savings on their school property tax bills each year and is available for owner-occupied primary residences where the owners have a combined income of $500,000 or less. The Basic STAR program saves average homeowners approximately $700 per year. Homeowners only need to register once, as the NYS Tax Department will monitor their eligibility in future years. This new registration requirement does not apply to senior citizens who are receiving enhanced STAR; seniors must continue to apply annually or participate in the Income Verification Program.

Registration can be done online at www.tax.ny.gov    or by calling the NYS Department of Taxation at (518) 457-2036. The deadline for registration is December 31, 2013.