Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) is reminding constituents that a rule change will require new homeowners to register for the School Tax Relief program (STAR) with the state instead of their assessor. The change affects any homeowners who purchased their home after August 1, 2015; those who bought their home before May 1, 2014 will still receive their tax exemption and do not need to take any action.

“As many of my constituents know, property and school taxes in the Hudson Valley have been ballooning for years, adding a large financial strain on many homeowners,” Brabenec said. “Luckily, we have worked diligently in the Legislature the past few years to provide some relief to New Yorkers in our area. Along with the property-tax cap that was passed several years ago, new homeowners who qualify will now receive a STAR rebate check each fall. While this provides some relief, it does not address skyrocketing costs that are the root cause of high property and school taxes. Local governments can no longer bear these costs and the state must step up to alleviate these financial burdens.”

Homeowners who register by July 1 will receive their STAR rebate check in September, which will be worth the same amount as the exemption. Those who register after July 1 will receive a rebate check at a later date.