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Q: What is an assessment?
A: A property's assessment is a percentage of its market
value. Market value, as defined by the International
Association of Assessing Officers, is the "most probable
price expressed in terms of money that a property would
bring if exposed for sale in the open market. The sale
should be in an arm's-length transaction between a willing
seller and a willing buyer, both of whom are knowledgeable
concerning all the uses to which the property is adapted and
for which is capable of being used."
Q: Do I qualify for any kind of real property tax exemption?
A: You may be eligible to receive a veteran's exemption if
you served during certain times and places in the Armed
Forces of the United States. You may also be eligible to
receive an additional exemption if you have a
service-connected disability. Please note that the veteran's
exemption does not apply to school taxes.
In addition to the veteran's exemption, senior citizens that
meet income, age, and residency requirements may qualify for
an aged exemption. This exemption, which applies to both,
real property and school taxes, allows up to 50% reduction
on tax bills. Because different municipalities have
different eligibility criteria, you should contact your
local Assessor regarding further information and deadlines.
Q: What is STAR?
A: The School Tax Relief (STAR) is a program that provides
partial exemption from school property taxes for
owner-occupied primary residences. There are two kinds of
STAR exemptions: The Enhanced Star and the Basic Star.
Q: I am a senior citizen, do I qualify for the Enhanced Star
exemption?
A: The Enhanced Star exemption, which exempts up to $60,000
of the full market value of a home, applies to seniors 65
years of age or older whose household adjusted gross income
does not exceed $79,050.
Q: I will turn 65 years old after the March 1, deadline. Do
I still qualify?
A: Yes, as long as you turn 65 before December 31 of the
same year.
Q: I don't qualify for the Enhanced Star. Do I qualify for
the Basic Star exemption?
A: Yes. The Basic Star, which exempts up to $30,000 of the
full market value of a home applies to any homeowner
regardless of age, as long as they reside in that
home and have an adjusted gross income under $500,000.
Q: What other documentation do I need to bring with my
Enhanced Star application?
A: If you are applying for the first time, you are required
to bring a photocopy of your latest available income tax
return, as well as proof of your age and home ownership.
Q: I already have an Enhanced Star exemption. Do I have to
renew it every year?
A: Yes. You are required by state law to renew your Enhanced
Star exemption every year. However, under new legislation
you may be eligible to participate in the "Income
Verification Program." This option allows recipients of the Enhanced STAR
exemption to automatically renew their annual application
through the New York State Department of Taxation and
Finance. Eligible applicants
must file New York State Income Tax Returns on an annual
basis. In addition, an authorization form (RP-425-IVP) must
be filed with the Assessor. It is recommended that you call
our office before you proceed with this option.
Q: What if I decide not to participate in the Income
Verification Program?
A: If you do not file State Income Tax Returns or decide not
to participate in the "Income Verification Program" you have
to continue to renew your exemption as in the past. We will
mail you the renewal form every year, and it will be your
responsibility to return it to us with the preceding income
tax returns or annual income statements, such as W-2 forms,
Social Security forms, bank interests, etc..
Q: What do I need to apply for the Basic Star exemption?
A: You only need the completed application. However, the
Assessor may also ask you to submit proof of ownership and
residency.
Q: I have been granted a Basic Star exemption. Do I need to
renew it every year?
A: No. The Basic Star exemption does not have to be renewed.
Q: Is there a deadline by which I must file the application
forms?
A: Yes. The deadline for all exemption applications is March
1. However, different municipalities have different
deadlines; this is why you should contact your local
Assessor for further information.
Q: Where can I get the applications forms?
A: You must file the application forms with your local
Assessor. Your local Assessor is located in the same
municipality where your actually reside. You may also
download these applications from the New York State Office
of Real Property Services' web page at www.orps.state.ny.us
Q: Where can I go with additional questions?
A: The Assessor is continually communicating with the
public, answering questions, and dealing with concerns
raised by taxpayers. You may reach the City Assessor at the
Office of the Assessor, City Hall, 258 Main Street, Oneonta,
New York 13820
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