Basic STAR homeowners must register

The New York State Tax Department claims more than half of the eligible homeowners in New York have registered for their Basic STAR exemptions.

More than 2.6 million homeowners are receiving the Basic STAR exemption and saving an average of $700. Last year, a Tax Department study identified thousands of property owners who were receiving more than one STAR exemption on multiple properties.

The registration program - the first of its kind in the 15-year life of the program - facilitates Gov. Andrew Cuomo's initiative to protect homeowners from fraud and waste.

"More than 1.3 million homeowners have used our fast and easy registration process to ensure they don't lose their STAR exemptions," said Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas H. Mattox. "If you haven't registered yet, we encourage you to register today."

Mattox reminded homeowners they must register with New York even though they initially applied for Basic STAR with their local assessors.

Albany and Saratoga counties top the list of counties, with more than two-thirds of Basic STAR recipients registered. The registration deadline is Dec. 31.

In Niagara County, 63 percent have registered, 28,098 of 44,293.

Seniors receiving Enhanced STAR are not affected by the registration - they will continue to apply annually or participate in the Income Verification Program.

For more information, visit www.tax.ny.gov or call 518-457-2036.