Dear Friend
It's a busy time of year for taxpayers! You have probably just paid your town and county taxes, are preparing your income tax returns, and budgeting for the year. Your school district is likely holding budget meetings that will impact your school and property taxes.
It's also time to make note of deadlines that can impact how much you pay in property taxes and to plan now to take action if you feel your assessment is not accurate. It takes time to prepare a grievance so don't wait until the last minute.
Please take advantage of the wide range of resources on our website. We also invite you to email us at any time with your questions.
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Apply by March 1 for Exemptions |
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Your Assessment Can Be Reduced if You Qualify for Exemptions
There are more than 500 exemptions for homeowners, villages, and towns. Ask your assessor if you qualify for others. You must apply for and file with your Assessor’s Office on or before March 1 to affect the applicable year’s taxes.
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Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption - Income Limit Options Increased - Apply by March 1 |
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If your local government and school district opted to grant a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying senior citizens the taxable assessment of a senior's home may be reduced by as much as 50%.
To qualify, you generally must be 65 or older and meet certain income limitations and other requirements.
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For the 50% exemption, the law allows each county, city, town, village, or school district to set the maximum income limit at any figure between $3,000 and $50,000. The maximum allowable income limit for these exemptions has been increased from $29,000 to $50,000.
- Towns may also adopt three sliding-scale options to provide a benefit to seniors with incomes greater than the local maximum. Under these options, qualifying seniors may receive the exemption if their income is below: $55,700 for a 20% exemption, $57,500 for a 10% exemption, or $58,400 for a 5% exemption.
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Please note: you may also qualify for Enhanced STAR. That requires a different application. See the next story: Do you Qualify for Enhanced STAR?
Contact your local assessor for the income limits in your community.
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Do You Qualify for Enhanced STAR? The income limit is now $93,200 - Apply by March 1
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If you already receive the STAR credit when you become eligible for Enhanced STAR, NYS will automatically send you a check for your Enhanced STAR benefit.
If you are a Basic STAR exemption recipient who turns 65 and meets the eligibility requirements, you should apply to your assessor for the Enhanced STAR exemption. You only need to apply once.
To qualify for 2023 benefits the income limit is now $93,200 or less. The limit applies to the combined incomes of all owners (residents and non-residents), and any owner's spouse who resides at the property. Refer to your 2021 income tax form. See how to calculate here,
Enhanced STAR recipients are required to participate in the Enhanced STAR Income Verification Program. In the first year that you apply for the Enhanced STAR exemption, your assessor will verify your eligibility based on the income information you provide. In the following years, they will verify your income eligibility. You will not need to reapply for the exemption or provide copies of your tax returns to your local assessor.
The application deadline is March 1 in most communities. Check with your assessor to verify the deadline in your community.
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New! 10% Property Tax Exemption for First Responders - Apply by March 1 |
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As of January 1, municipalities, school districts and fire districts throughout NYS have the option to provide volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who have served for at least two to five years (set by the municipality) with a 10% real property tax exemption. Apply by March 1st.
Look for form # RP-466.
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Exemption for Persons with Disabilities - Income Limit Has Increased - Apply by March 1 |
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If your town government and school district chose to lower the property tax of qualified disabled homeowners you may qualify for a partial exemption for your legal residence. This exemption provides a reduction of up to 50% in the assessed value of the residence of a qualified disabled person(s). The income limit it set by the municipality and may range from $3,000 to $50,000. See the information and download the forms
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Make Your Voice Heard!
Attend School Budget Forums
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School districts across the state are holding public forums and budget meetings.
The tax rates and school and municipality budgets (not your assessment) determine how much property owners pay in property taxes. The total tax levy and tax rates can be found on your school, town, and county tax bills, or ask your local assessor. The higher the budgets of each municipality, school, fire department, library, etc. become, the higher the tax rate will be, meaning you pay more in taxes. High-quality schools can enhance the value of your property. But in many areas taxes continue to rise despite lower enrollment. Also see: What are we getting for all this money
If you feel your taxes are too high, voice your opinion to your local elected town and school officials, ask questions, and be sure to vote on your town's school budget and town elections. Read more
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You May Receive a Greater Benefit Switching to the STAR Credit |
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Taxpayers receive STAR benefits through either a STAR credit check or a STAR exemption, which is a reduction on your school tax bill. If you currently receive the STAR exemption you may receive a greater benefit if you switch to the STAR credit to receive a check instead. The value of the STAR credit savings may increase by as much as 2% each year, but the value of the STAR exemption savings cannot increase.
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Are You a New Homeowner?
Register for STAR Credit
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Be sure you register for STAR credit if your new home is your primary residence. Register any time at tax.ny.gov/star or call 518-457-2036 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. See flyer for details
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March 1
Exemptions Application Deadline - see most common exemptions and full list of exemptions
Taxable Status Date - assessment impact notices are sent to property owners in municipalities conducting reassessments.
May 1
Tentative Assessment Roll is Made Public. Check your assessment soon to determine if you have reasons for grievance.
May 16
School Budget Voting Day - Generally the 3rd Tuesday in May. All residents meeting the required age are eligible to vote. A significant percentage of your property tax bill is based on your school budget so stay informed and vote!
May 23
July 1 - Final Assessment Roll is Made Public - This is the final date upon which the value of your property is based for assessment purposes. Your property assessment for this year (2022) was based on the value of your property as of July 1st, 2021. Any changes in your property after July 1, 2021 will not be reflected in your assessment until the next assessment year (2023). SCAR: Fillable Petition* | SCAR: General Info & Instructions
July 1 - Valuation Date, the final date upon which the value of your property is based for assessment purposes. Your property assessment for this year (2022) was based on the value of your property as of July 1st, 2022. Any changes in your property after July 1st, 2020 will not be reflected in your assessment until the next assessment year (2022).
No Later than July 1 - Final Assessment Roll is Filed -
September 1 - School Property Tax Bills mailed to property owners.
Year-round - New Homeowners: Register with NYS to Receive a STAR Credit Register 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.tax.ny.gov/star.
See flier or register by phone at 518-457-2036 on weekdays 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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Thanks for being a TMPF newsletter subscriber. Help spread the word for Fair Taxes in Upstate NY! Provide your NYS address and we will send you a Tax My Property Fairly bumper sticker. |
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Property Taxes in the News |
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