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Property owners 65 and older who want to apply or re-apply for Enhanced STAR property tax exemption checks in 2019 must enroll in the state’s Income Verification Program by March 1.
Those already enrolled in the IVP don’t need to take any action to continue receiving their Enhanced STAR exemption checks, according to the state Department of Taxation and finance.
New IVP enrollees will likewise automatically receive the exemption each year they’re eligible.
In the first year of enrollment, the assessor will verify eligibility based on the income information provided by the homeowner. In subsequent years, the state Tax Department will automatically verify eligibility. As a result, homeowners will no longer need to renew the exemption or share income tax returns with their local assessor’s office.
“This change applies only to seniors 65 or older applying for the Enhanced STAR exemption or those who have the exemption included in their property tax bills,” said Tax Department Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “This doesn’t affect those who receive a check for this exemption because we already verify their income eligibility.”
If you already receive the Enhanced STAR exemption but aren’t yet enrolled in the IVP, you must renew your application for the Enhanced STAR exemption and enroll in the IVP. Seniors must submit the following tax forms to your municipal assessor:
• Form RP-435-Rnw: Renewal application for enhanced STAR exemption for the 2019-20 school year and
• Form RP-425-IVP: Supplement for Forms RP-425-E and RP-425-Rnw
If you receive the Basic STAR exemption now and are eligible for Enhanced STAR in 2019, you must apply for it and enroll in the IVP. Submit the following forms to your assessor:
• Form RP-425-E: Application for Enhanced STAR exemption for the 2019-20 school year and
• Form RP-425-IVP
If you’re a new homeowner or first-time STAR applicant, you need to register for the STAR credit with the Tax Department instead of applying for the exemption. You can register at www.tax.ny.gov/STAR
Some tips from the Tax Department:
• Be sure to complete all forms entirely, including the Social Security numbers of all property owners and any owner’s spouse who resides at the property. You must also provide proof of income.
• Contact your local assessor. The deadline for most communities is Match one but the date varies in some locations.
• If you’re also receiving the senior citizens exemption, you will still need to annually renew that benefit with your assessor by filing state tax form RP-467-Rnw.
In the past, seniors who qualified for the senior citizens exemption were automatically granted the Enhanced STAR exemption. Beginning in 2019, you must apply separately for both exemptions. Follow the instructions above to apply or renew the Enhanced STAR exemption.
To apply or renew the senior citizens exemption, file the appropriate form with your assessor:
• First time applicants must file state tax Form RP-467, an application for partial tax exemption for real property of senior citizens
• Renewal applicants must file state tax Form RP-467-Rnw, renewal application for partial tax exemption for real property of senior citizens.
