PRESS RELEASES
Friday, October 10, 2008
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin Announces Middle Class STAR Rebate Checks to be Mailed this Month
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin would like to remind her constituents that the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program continues this year. Constituents eligible for the program should receive their rebates or application notifications no later than the first week in November. Those eligible for Enhanced STAR Rebates, generally seniors, will be issued a rebate check automatically by the end of October. STAR Rebate checks provide for property tax relief in addition to the STAR exemption on one’s school tax bill.
“With the current economic crisis, I want to make sure that every eligible household is taking advantage of this benefit, which is targeted to middle class homeowners and senior citizens” said Paulin. “The STAR Rebate Program is income based, so those who need it most will receive the largest benefits; in fact, this year, Enhanced STAR recipients will see a 40 percent increase over last year’s check,” she added.
Unlike 2007, most homeowners will not have to apply for this year’s rebate. If a household’s 2008 property information remains unchanged from 2007, no reapplication is necessary. These homeowners will be mailed a check automatically. Those who did not apply in 2007, or whose property information changed during the year, must apply for the 2008 program. Applications will be mailed to these households automatically. Those notified to apply must do so by December 31, 2008 to receive a 2008 rebate check.
The maximum benefit for those receiving the Basic STAR Rebate goes to homeowners earning $120,000 or less. The benefit diminishes until a homeowner’s income reaches $250,000, at which point he or she is not eligible for the rebate.
For more information, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website at www.nystax.gov/star/2008, or call Assemblywoman Amy Paulin’s district office at 914-723-1115.