Curran: Basic STAR Re-Registration Numbers Alarmingly Low

Assemblyman urges homeowners to re-register for their Basic STAR Property Tax Exemption

Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st AD) today urged all eligible homeowners to re-register for their Basic STAR Property Tax Exemption.  Recent reports by the New York State Department of Tax and Finance have signaled alarmingly low re-registration numbers for the popular property tax exemption program.

Curran said that all homeowners, even those currently receiving the property-tax exemption, must re-register to be enrolled in the STAR program.

“This is an important property-tax exemption that all homeowners, even those currently receiving the exemption, must re-register for,” said Curran. “The deadline date is fast approaching and with the disturbingly low numbers, that signals a big problem with getting the word out. Since Long Islanders pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation, every cent of aid goes a long way. So if you are a homeowner, or know someone who is, please pass this information along to them so that they do not miss out on this important exemption.”

Citing widespread fraud and abuse of the system, the New York State Comptroller stated the need for residents to re-register for the exemption, which was then changed in the 2013-14 State Budget. The deadline to re-register for the Basic STAR exemption is December 31, 2013.

Information from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance posted re-registration numbers in Nassau County at 59 percent, as of November 5, 2013.  Curran reminded residents that because there was such widespread abuse of the system, reaching a 100 percent re-registration rate would be impossible, given that many of the names in the system were erroneous and therefore would not be re-registering.

An audit in March 2013 found widespread abuse of the Basic STAR program; estimates by the New York State Comptroller’s Office show as much as $13 million in fraud and abuse. The re-registration change applies to only Basic STAR because currently, in order to be eligible for the Enhanced STAR program, an individual must be 65 years or older and be below a certain income threshold. Therefore, seniors who are receiving this Enhanced STAR already are required to apply annually and must participate in an income verification program.

Curran also noted that homeowners should have received a letter that included instructions on how to re-register. The new registration for Basic STAR will only be required once, and homeowners will not have to re-register in future years.

Additional information can be found at http://tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star13.htm.