Fuschillo to Babylon Town Residents: STAR Filing Underway

The filing period to apply for New York State’s School Tax Relief (STAR) Program and other property tax exemptions in the is currently underway. The filing period continues until March 1.

"New York State’s STAR program provides eligible homeowners with valuable school tax savings,” said New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick, who also represents Lindenhurst).

“Additionally, the Town of Babylon offers other exemptions which could provide further savings to homeowners,” Fuschillo advised residents.

"If you think you’re entitled to a property tax exemption, but haven’t already applied, then don’t miss the opportunity to save money on your taxes."

New York State’s STAR program works in two ways:

Basic STAR is available to all New Yorkers who own and live in their own home, condominium or cooperative apartment whose combined total adjusted gross income does not exceed $500,000, regardless of age.

Enhanced STAR is available to senior citizen property owners whose combined total adjusted gross income is less than $79,050, and who'll be age 65 or older by December 31, 2012. If the property is owned by a husband and wife, or by siblings, only one of them must be at least 65 years old to qualify for this exemption.

Residents who already receive the Basic STAR exemption, or who participate in the Enhanced STAR Income Verification Program, do not need to re-file, according to the state senator's office.

Residents who moved to a new house and had the STAR exemption at their previous address need to file a new application. The STAR exemption isn't automatically transferred to a new address, Fuschillo noted.

In addition, the Town of Babylon offers other property tax exemptions, including:

• Senior citizens
• Veterans
• Cold War veterans
• First-time homebuyers of newly constructed homes
• Volunteer firefighters or ambulance service workers
• Persons with disabilities and limited incomes
• Capital improvements

STAR applications and information about other tax exemptions in the Town of Babylon could be obtained by visiting the Town of Babylon’s website, www.townofbabylon.com and clicking on the Forms link on the left side of the page.

Residents could also contact the Town of Babylon’s Department of
Assessment at 631-957-3014.

Information could also be obtained by visiting Senator Fuschillo’s website, fuschillo.nysenate.gov, and clicking on the Are you entitled to a property tax exemption? link on the left side of the page.

The application filing deadline is March 1, Fuschillo reiterated.