New York State’s STAR Rebate Program has a new wrinkle. State lawmakers approved changes this year to the property tax discount program that affects new homeowners across the state, who will now get a rebate check instead of a credit on their tax bill. It applies to all people who have purchased property after March 1 in New York state.
Syracuse Common Councilor Nadar Maroun said the city assessor has sent out about 800 letters to new property owners who would be affected by the change. It will also be reflected in tax bills that are going out this week.
"Our new tax forms are larger than they used to be," Maroun said. "They were 8.5 by 11 and are now 8.5 by 14 and it includes the STAR information on it.”
Maroun said the city is worried about potential confusion about the change, which could leave some people short when it comes to paying taxes.
"When they get that check, depending on how much it is, depending how much their tax bill is, how much of a STAR deduction they get, they have to realize that it’s no longer being escrowed as part of their mortgage payment," Maroun said. "They’re going to have to take that money and actually pay their taxes.”
Mourn said the tax bill will include a number to call for more information, or city residents can also call the assessment office.
The STAR Exemption program has been around for 15 years, meant to offer tax relief to homeowners. State officials say this new payment structure won’t affect the actual discount, which can amount to thousands of dollars off a property tax bill.
