Program offers property tax discounts

The Island Now
Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton (standing) helps senior citizens homeowners determine whether they qualify for tax discounts. (Courtesy of Debbie Greco Cohen)

Nassau County’s STAR (School Tax Relief Program) Program offers property tax discounts to qualifying homeowners. Even homeowners who have previously applied for STAR discounts should consider filing, especially if their situations have changed.

Discounts may be available to homeowners who fall into one or more of the following categories: death of a spouse, change in income, veterans, volunteer firefighter, ambulance worker, limited income disability or home improvement exemptions.

“Many homeowners do not realize how easy filing is,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said. “While the workshops make the process easier, the online forms are simple to fill out and submit.”

DeRiggi-Whitton recently sponsored a STAR workshop and is hosting another session on Oct. 25 at Roslyn’s Bryant Library.

Homeowners over age 65 who were already enrolled in the STAR Program prior to Jan. 2, 2015 can also file Enhanced STAR applications. The deadline to apply for the 2019 – 2020 tax year is Dec. 31, 2018. Note that first-time new homeowners wishing to apply for a STAR exemption need to register with New York State instead of Nassau County.

If you cannot attend the October workshop, the County Assessor’s office can answer questions and otherwise help homeowners determine what exemptions they may be entitled to. Call 516-571-1500 or visit https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3575/Exemption-Forms to download forms.

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