Important Information Regarding 2014 STAR Exemption for Home-owners

To keep STAR tax break, you'll need to reapply by Dec. 31
In coming weeks, homeowners will receive a letter instructing them to reapply for the STAR program online or by phone by Dec. 31. People will need to verify their salaries, Social Security numbers and primary residence.

The initiative, approved as part of the state budget in March, will seek to stop some property owners from claiming the tax breaks on multiple homes.

 

The new legislation requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years.

 

· Homeowners will not have to register in order to receive their 2013 STAR exemptions.

· Homeowners will not have to re-register every year. Based on the information provided in the registration process, the Tax Department will monitor homeowners' eligibility in future years.

 

How to register

You can register for the STAR exemption online. You'll need to:

· provide a STAR code (we're mailing codes to all Basic STAR recipients; or you can use the STAR code lookup)

· provide the names and social security numbers for all owners of the property and spouses

· confirm that the property is the primary residence of one of its owners (married couples with multiple residences may only claim one STAR exemption)

· confirm that the combined income of the owners and their spouses who reside at the property does not exceed $500,000

· confirm that no resident owner received a residency-based tax benefit from another state

 

You can also register by calling (518) 457-2036

· Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 8:00 pm

· Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

 

Registration period

Registration started on August 19, 2013 and will continue through December 31, 2013.

 

Senior citizens

Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not affected by the new registration requirement. Seniors must, however, continue to:

· apply annually, or

· participate in the Income Verification Program

 

For more information contact (518) 457-2036 or visit New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

 

Jones Beach Water Tower- More than Meets the Eye!

As summer comes to a close and the new school year quickly approaches, take a moment to think about all the great memories you made on Long Island this season. Whether you spent your time at the beach, took part in your local libraries summer reading program, took the kids to the aquarium or visited Montauk and Fire Island… Long Island offers a variety of wonderful summer activities to create memories that will last a lifetime.

More than 8 million people visit Jones Beach state park every year and if you happened to spend some time there this summer, I’m sure you drove by the water tower. Fondly referred to as “the pencil” by many Long Islanders, the Jones Beach water tower has been a local landmark for 83 years. According to the New York Times, the water tower was modeled on the campanile of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice and the project was supervised by Robert Moses in 1930. It stands 231 feet high in the center of the traffic circle approaching Jones Beach. The tower is built of brick and limestone and houses a 315,000 gallon tank to store water from three 1,000 foot deep wells. Although it has never been open to the public, the tower is fully functional and supplies water to the entire park including restrooms, bathhouses, swimming pools and even the Jones Beach Theater. In 2008, the water tower underwent a restoration costing over $6 million and while the traffic circle incurred extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy, the water tower held up.

Next time you drive past the Jones Beach water tower, tell everyone in the car about it!  This historic Long Island landmark is more than meets the eye and is sure to remain a part of our local flair for many years to come.