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Upstate NY Property Tax Relief
For 2025, senior homeowners in Upstate New York may be eligible for
TWO VALUABLE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS:
- Senior Citizen Exemption (RP-467)
- STAR Program
While these programs often get confused, they are separate benefits that can work together to reduce your property tax bill.
Senior Citizen Exemption (RP-467)
The Senior Citizen Exemption (Form RP-467) is available to homeowners aged 65 and older who own and occupy their primary residence. To qualify, you must meet local income limits, which typically allow for a full exemption at $50,000 or less, with a sliding scale extending partial relief up to $58,400. This exemption reduces a percentage of your property’s assessed value, which lowers your overall tax bill. Applications require proof of age, proof of ownership, and income documentation such as a 2024 federal tax return or an RP-467 income worksheet if you did not file taxes. The filing deadline is generally around May 1, though exact dates vary by town, so checking with your local assessor is important.
STAR Program (School Tax Relief)
The STAR Program (School Tax Relief) helps reduce school property taxes and is available in two forms.
Basic STAR is open to all primary-residence homeowners with household incomes under $500,000 for the STAR credit, or $250,000 for the exemption, and it has no age requirement.
Enhanced STAR (E-STAR) is specifically for those age 65 and older with household incomes under $107,300 for the 2025–2026 school year.
Enhanced STAR offers a larger benefit than Basic STAR, often providing between $700 and $1,500 in savings depending on your school district.
Unlike the Senior Citizen Exemption, STAR is filed with the New York State Tax Department, not the local assessor, and the filing deadline is usually March 1, though some towns may differ.
Maximizing Your Savings
Both programs can be combined if you qualify, meaning those age 65 and older, can take advantage of the Senior Citizen Exemption to reduce overall property taxes while also receiving STAR or Enhanced STAR benefits to lower school taxes. Together, they may significantly reduce your tax burden.
To maximize savings, those age 65 and older should confirm deadlines with their local assessor, gather necessary documents, and submit applications on time. With the right preparation, these programs can provide meaningful financial relief for eligible Upstate New York homeowners in 2025.
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