STAR 'enhanced' tax exemption deadline for Long Island seniors is Friday

Seniors on much of Long Island who receive New York’s basic STAR exemption have until Friday to apply for an enhanced program that could save them thousands of dollars more on their property taxes, the state Department of Taxation and Finance said.

New York’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program helps homeowners pay for property taxes in the form of credits or exemptions. The benefit increases for residents who are 65 and older — in some localities the “enhanced” credit or exemption can be double the basic benefit.

Last year, for example, seniors in Amityville saved about $2,231 in enhanced STAR exemptions, or $1,358 more than the basic STAR exemption, according to the tax department. Statewide, 562,000 seniors received more than $815 million last year from New York’s enhanced STAR exemption.

The Friday deadline applies only to those who already have a STAR exemption. If you’re already receiving a STAR tax credit, you don’t need to apply for the enhanced benefit — the tax department will upgrade you if you’re eligible.

“To help ensure that seniors don’t miss out, we encourage seniors to review their Enhanced STAR eligibility,” acting Taxation and Finance Commissioner Amanda Hiller said in a statement.

Here are some of the requirements for an enhanced STAR exemption: The property must be your primary residence. All of the property owners must be at least 65 years old as of this December, except properties that are jointly owned by a married couple or siblings — in which cases only one owner needs to meet the age requirement. And the combined income of all owners must have been equal to less than $98,700 in 2022.

The application due date is March 1 for Suffolk County homeowners. In Nassau County, the Jan. 2 deadline already has passed, though the commissioner for taxation and finance does allow late applications under some circumstances. And Glen Cove has extended its deadline to May 1.

Before applying, homeowners who turn 65 this year should check with their local assessor to see what is required.

Assessors will typically ask applicants for proof of income and will require them to fill out government forms RP-425-IVP and RP-425-E.