Bosworth Hosts Popular Tax Exemption Workshops

Nassau County Leg. Judi Bosworth (D-Great Neck) was pleased to be able to co-host with the Nassau County Department of Assessment two tax exemption workshops: one on August 14th at the Manhasset Public Library and another on August 16th at Great Neck House.  Many residents attended the workshops and were able to work one-on-one with Department of Assessment staff to apply for exemptions for which they were eligible.  Many more residents called Leg. Bosworth’s office and confirmed the exemptions they currently have, or inquired about the various requirements for the exemptions.  The Department of Assessment has scheduled several more workshops throughout the county between now and November.  Residents can find the list of dates and locations online at www.mynassauproperty.com, or feel free to call Leg. Bosworth’s office for dates and times at 516-571-6210.

Homeowners should also be aware that, as the STAR program continues to provide vital tax relief to homeowners across the state, new provisions have been made to make the program even more effective – however, Basic STAR recipients must remember to take action so they don’t miss out on future savings.

To ensure taxpayers are protected from inappropriate or fraudulent STAR exemptions, all homeowners receiving the Basic STAR benefit (available on the primary residence of homeowners who earn less than $500,000) need to register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to continue receiving exemptions in 2014 and subsequent years. Registration continues through Dec. 31.  The tax department will mail instructions – including a STAR code necessary for registration – to all homeowners who currently receive the Basic STAR exemption.  While this registration is required to receive your exemption, homeowners will not need to re-register every year.

Seniors who receive Enhanced STAR will be exempt from the new requirements and will not need to register to continue participation in the program.  Enhanced STAR recipients must continue to apply annually, or participate in the Income Verification Program as they have in the past.  Additionally, first-time applicants are not affected by this year’s registration procedure and must file Form RP-425, Application for School Tax Relief Exemption, with their local assessor.