Repeals the income limitation for the senior citizen enhanced school tax relief (STAR) exemption

Title of bill

An act to repeal paragraph (b) of subdivision 4 of section 425 of the real property tax law relating to the income limitation for senior citizen eligibility for the enhanced school tax relief (STAR) exemption

Purpose

To broaden the eligibility of STAR so that all senior citizens regardless of their income may take advantage of the STAR program.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: repeals paragraph (b) of subdivision 4 of section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law, which contains the income limits for senior citizens to be eligible for the STAR program.

Section 2: applies to the 2010-2011 exemption applications and thereafter.

Section 3: establishes the effective date.

Existing law

Senior citizens must receive less than or equal to $60,000 in income to be eligible for the STAR program.

Justification

The STAR program has provided many senior citizens with an appreciable savings on their school tax bills. To enable the greatest number of senior citizens to take advantage of this program, the number of impediments to receiving this benefit must be reduced. Many times seniors are dissuaded from applying or reapplying for the STAR program because of the necessity to prove their income from the previous year's tax return. By eliminating the income requirements from the eligibility requirements for the enhanced STAR exemption, more seniors both below and above the current income threshold would be able to take advantage of this program.

Legislative history

2007-2008 - Aging

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.