Individuals already enrolled in IVP do not need to take any action to continue receiving Enhanced STAR exemption
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is reminding property owners age 65 and older that May 1 is the deadline in the City of Lockport to apply or reapply to receive the Enhanced STAR exemption in 2019. Those who live in towns must apply by March 1.
A change in 2019 requires Enhanced STAR recipients to 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.
IVP program information is now also available in Spanish, Russian, Chinese and other languages, and can be accessed under the Resources heading on the Enhanced STAR Income Verification (IVP) web page.
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 income 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. This doesn’t affect those who receive a STAR check for this benefit because the Tax Department already verifies their income eligibility.
“Of the 650,000 seniors receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption, roughly 75% of them are already enrolled in the IVP,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “Once enrolled, property owners will automatically receive their exemption as long as they’re eligible and won’t have to reapply with their assessor.”
Next steps
If you already receive the Enhanced STAR exemption but aren’t yet enrolled in the IVP, you must renew your 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. Visit the state’s website to register for the STAR credit.
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
As mentioned, the deadline for applications is May 1 in the City of Lockport, but some communities have a different deadline. 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)