Changes Ease Ability to Claim the Enhanced STAR Exemption
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded property owners age 65 and over who are applying or reapplying to receive the Enhanced STAR exemption in 2019 that they must now enroll in the Income Verification Program (IVP).
Those already enrolled in the IVP don’t need to take any action to continue receiving their Enhanced STAR exemption.
New IVP enrollees will likewise automatically receive the exemption each year they’re eligible.
In the first year of enrollment, the assessor will verify eligibility based on the income information provided by the homeowner. In subsequent years, the New York State Tax Department will automatically verify eligibility. As a result, homeowners will no longer need to renew the exemption or share income tax returns with their local assessor’s office.
“This change applies only to seniors 65 or older applying for the Enhanced STAR exemption or those who have the exemption included in their property tax bills,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “This doesn’t affect those who receive a check for this exemption because we already verify their income eligibility.”
Next steps
If you already receive the Enhanced STAR exemption but aren’t yet enrolled in the IVP, you must renew your application for the Enhanced STAR exemption and enroll in the IVP. Submit the following forms to your assessor:
- Form RP-425-Rnw, Renewal Application for Enhanced STAR Exemption for the 2019-2020 School Year; and
- Form RP-425-IVP, Supplement for Forms RP-425-E and RP-425-Rnw
If you receive the Basic STAR exemption now and are eligible for Enhanced STAR in 2019, you must apply for it and enroll in the IVP. Submit the following forms to your assessor:
- Form RP-425-E, Application for Enhanced STAR Exemption for the 2019-2020 School Year; and
- Form RP-425-IVP, Supplement to Forms RP-425-E and RP-425-Rnw
If you’re a new homeowner or first-time STAR applicant, you need to register for the STAR credit with the Tax Department instead of applying for the exemption. You can register here: www.tax.ny.gov/STAR.
Required information
Be sure to complete all forms entirely, including the Social Security numbers of all property owners and any owner’s spouse who resides at the property. You must also provide proof of income.
Deadlines
The deadline for applications is May 1 in the City of Lockport, but the date varies in some locations. Contact your assessor for the deadline in your area.
Senior citizens’ exemption
If you’re also receiving the senior citizens’ exemption, you’ll still need to annually renew that benefit with your assessor. To renew your application, file Form RP-467-Rnw with your assessor.
In the past, seniors who qualified for the senior citizens’ exemption were automatically granted the Enhanced STAR exemption. Beginning in 2019, you must apply separately for both exemptions. Follow the instructions above to apply or renew the Enhanced STAR exemption.
To apply or renew the senior citizens’ exemption, file the appropriate form with your assessor:
- first-time applicants must file Form RP-467, Application for Partial Tax Exemption for Real Property of Senior Citizens
- renewal applicants must file Form RP-467-Rnw, Renewal Application for Partial Tax Exemption for Real Property of Senior Citizens
For more information
2019 Changes to Exemptions for Property Owners Age 65 and Over
Enhanced STAR Income Verification Program (IVP)
Senior citizens exemption
For more information please contact the Lockport City Assessor’s Office at 439-6614 or visit our office on the second floor of City Hall.