October 2007 2007 Middle Class Star Property Tax Rebate Initiative Underway for Ulster County Homeowners
Ulster County qualifying homeowners will soon find a special delivery in their mailboxes from the State Tax Department. As part of a massive mailing to about 2.7 million property owners across New York State, Ulster County residents who receive the STAR exemption on their school tax bill will receive an application for a new tax relief incentive: the 2007 Middle Class STAR Property Tax Rebate program.
Governor Spitzer’s new Middle Class STAR Property Tax Rebate program was designed to provide property tax relief for senior citizens and middle income families. The rebate arrives in the form of a check and is provided in addition to the STAR relief that was already reflected on school tax bills.
The State will calculate rebate checks on a sliding scale based on income and town within each school district. The benefit gradually decreases as income rises. Taxpayers earning over $250,000 are not eligible for this additional new relief, but will continue to receive their current STAR benefit.
Qualifying taxpayers who wish to take advantage of the Middle Class STAR opportunity must complete and return the application by November 30, 2007. Seniors 65 years or older who already receive the enhanced STAR exemption do not have to apply, they will receive their STAR rebate check automatically.
The statewide mailing will be complete by the end of September, allowing people ample time to fill out the application prior to the November 30 deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply online for the fastest check processing service, but must wait until their applications arrive in the mail because each notice contains a special STAR code unique to the individual property. Filing the application is fast, secure, and free. Once your application arrives, simply go to the Tax Department’s website at www.nystax.gov and follow the directions for online filing.
More detailed information is also available on the website, as well as through the Tax Department’s Call Center at 1-877-6-STAR-NY (1-877-678-2769), which can also fully assist Spanish speaking taxpayers.
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