Assemblyman Stirpe (D. Cicero) announced that all homeowners who receive the Basic STAR benefit are required to register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance by December 31 to continue receiving tax exemptions in 2014 and the following years. This is due to a new initiative that will help prevent fraudulent exemptions that are costing New York taxpayers millions of dollars.

“Requiring homeowners to apply for the Basic STAR program with the state tax department will ensure that only those eligible for the tax break receive it,” Assemblyman Stirpe said. “I encourage homeowners to register as soon as possible so as not to lose this property tax break”

Registration will begin on Aug. 19 and continue 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. The fastest and easiest way for homeowners to register is through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s website at www.tax.ny.gov. Registration and support is also available over the phone by calling 518-457-2036.

This new requirement was included in the 2013-14 state budget to help improve the program and safeguard taxpayer money. To support the registration effort and to discourage fraud and abuse of STAR, individual fines and penalties were incorporated into the program for intentional misinformation and if the exemption is revoked.

Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not affected by the new registration requirement because they already are required to apply annually, or participate in the Income Verification Program. Additionally, resident homeowners who are applying for STAR for the first time are not affected by this year’s registration procedure.

If any homeowner needs help registering for the Basic STAR exemption, they can call Assemblyman Stirpe’s office at 452-1115.