Exemptions

New STAR applicants must now register directly with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for the STAR check program. To qualify, the property must be your primary residence (1 to 3-family). Partial exemptions may be available for 4-family or mixed-used properties, limited to the portion that is your primary residence. Total combined household income cannot exceed $500,000 for the current year. NYS will require proof of residency.

Please visit the NYS Tax Department Exemption Info and Forms website.

If you are 65 and meet the income requirement, but purchased your home after 2014, you cannot get the enhanced STAR exemption. Instead, you must apply directly with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (see link on left: NYS Tax Department. Exemption Info and Forms).

If you already have a Basic STAR, are turning 65 years of age in the current year, and meet the income requirement, you may apply with this office. Even if your birthday occurs after the May 1st deadline, you can still apply for the current year. In addition to the signed and dated application and mandatory IVP Form (2023 Application (PDF) and IVP Form (PDF)), you must submit proof of residency, age, and income with a copy of your utility bill, driver's license or birth certificate, and your 2022 federal/state tax return(s). The combined adjusted gross income of all owners/spouses cannot exceed $98,700 (See instructions on the back of the application). In most cases, the savings in taxes is approximately twice that of Basic STAR. Once granted, this exemption needs to be renewed every year because of the income requirement. The IVP (Income Verification Program) form will allow the state to verify your eligibility for STAR and you will not need to renew through the Assessor's office. You will automatically be renewed by the state if you qualify.

You must own your primary residence for at least 1 year and must be 65 years of age on or before May 1st. If you turn 65 after May 1st, you will have to apply for the following year. In addition to the signed and dated application, you must submit proof of residency, age, and income with a copy of your utility bill, driver's license, or birth certificate, and a copy of your 2023 federal tax return (including Schedules). You will also need to fill out an income statement. If you do not have to file a tax return, we will need copies of all income statements including your 2023 End of Year Social Security Statement. The combined 2023 TOTAL GROSS income (including social security and Veterans Disability Compensation) of all owners/spouses cannot exceed $58,400 for County taxes and cannot exceed $37,400 for City and School taxes. If you apply by May 1st and are approved, you will see a reduction in your 2025 city/county tax bill.

Once granted, this exemption needs to be renewed every year because of the income requirement. This office sends renewal forms by the end of January.

Please visit the website NYS Tax Department Exemption Information and Forms website for all of the specific details and requirements.

Requirements for both the Alternative Veterans and Cold War Veterans Exemptions are similar. The property must be your primary residence. Eligible to veterans and un-remarried surviving spouses of veterans. You need to provide a copy of your DD-214. If you cannot locate it, write to: National Personnel Records Center / Military Personnel Records / 9700 Page Avenue / St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. Active military personnel and reservists are not eligible. Alternative Veterans: Served during and honorably discharged from a designated time of war or during a Congressional-approved combat conflict (received a medal of honor). Cold War: Served and honorably discharged during the defined Cold War Period (September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991).

Please refer to the application form from the NYS Tax Department. Exemption Info and Forms website for all of the specific details and requirements.

Information and the most recent applications for additional exemptions, including Persons with Disabilities and Limited Income, Clergy, Nonprofits, and others, can be found on the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website.