Older homeowners in New York could soon receive another opportunity to claim property tax relief, even if they missed last year’s filing deadline. Legislative action is moving to reopen access to the Enhanced STAR (School Tax Relief) exemption, designed to reduce school property taxes for eligible seniors.
How the Enhanced STAR Program Helps Seniors
The Enhanced STAR exemption provides more substantial tax savings than the basic version, typically reducing school property taxes by over $1,000 annually for qualifying senior citizens. While the Basic STAR is available to most homeowners, the Enhanced STAR is specifically aimed at seniors who meet income requirements.
Accessing the Enhanced STAR has historically been challenging for some older Americans because of the strict March 1 “Taxable Status Date” deadline. Missing this date previously meant that seniors could not claim the exemption for the year.
Senate Bill Offers Retroactive Filing Option
To address these issues, the New York State Senate recently passed S.5069, sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo. The bill allows eligible seniors who missed the deadline to submit a retroactive, one-time request to receive the Enhanced STAR exemption.
Senator Griffo introduced the legislation after hearing from constituents who missed the deadline due to health problems, family emergencies, or confusion about eligibility. The bill passed the Senate after review by the Aging Committee and a full floor vote.
In the Assembly, a similar bill, A.11350, sponsored by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, is currently being reviewed by the Standing Committee on Real Property Taxation. Once both houses pass identical versions of the bill, it will be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul for approval.
Other Updates to the STAR Program
In addition to the retroactive filing provision, the STAR program has introduced measures to simplify access for seniors. Homeowners already enrolled in Basic STAR are now automatically upgraded to Enhanced STAR in the year they turn 65. The state verifies age internally and updates local assessors, eliminating the need for seniors to submit a separate application.
These changes are designed to ensure that seniors who qualify for Enhanced STAR can claim their tax relief even if they missed previous deadlines. By reducing administrative burdens and providing a safety net for late filers, New York aims to make school property tax relief more accessible to older homeowners.
The legislation, once finalized, will allow thousands of seniors to benefit from meaningful reductions in school property taxes, helping to ease financial pressures on older New Yorkers and ensure they receive the relief they are entitled to.
