The school code for Hamilton Central School for use on New York State income tax returns is 252. Residency is determined as of December 31. State distribution of financial aid to school districts is based on school code data reported by taxpayers.
The New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) program enables homeowners to reduce their school taxes. If you are not receiving a STAR exemption (check your school tax bill), you should read the information below to see if you qualify. Most all homeowners qualify for the Basic STAR exemption, while some senior citizen homeowners may qualify for the larger Enhanced STAR exemption.
It is to your advantage to apply for the exemption which may reduce your school taxes by more than $500 annually. There is no loss of revenue to the school district as it receives the corresponding STAR amount from the State.
There are many Hamilton homeowners who are eligible for the savings, but have not applied. Please read the Questions & Answers below for more information on obtaining the STAR savings.
What is the New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR)?
STAR is a state-funded exemption from school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences. To be eligible for the exemption, the property must be a one, two, or three-family residence, a farm home, or a residential condominium or cooperative apartment. The program has two components: the enhanced program for income-eligible senior citizens and the basic program for all other property owners. The STAR exemption must be applied after any other applicable exemptions have been applied to the property's assessed value.
What is the enhanced STAR program?
The enhanced STAR program is available to eligible senior citizens. The enhanced exemption is $50,000.
To be eligible for the enhanced exemption, property owners must all be at least 65 years of age, unless they are husband and wife, or siblings, in which case only one owner need be at least 65 years of age as of December 31, but the property must serve as the primary residence of that owner. In addition, the combined annual "income" of all of the owners and their spouses residing in the premises must not exceed the applicable income limits set forth in law. "Income" means "adjusted gross income" as reported for federal income tax purposes. Contact your local tax assessor or call 1-888-NYSTAR5 for the current income standard.
What is the basic STAR program?
The basic STAR program applies to all primary-residence homeowners, regardless of age or income, and provides a $30,000 base exemption. Senior citizens whose income exceeds the applicable income limits set forth in law for the enhanced STAR exemption still may be eligible for the basic STAR exemption.
Does the STAR exemption apply to library taxes levied by school districts on behalf of such libraries?
No. According to an opinion of counsel issued by New York's State Board of Real Property Services, which oversees the STAR exemption process, the STAR exemption does not apply to taxes or charges levied for library purposes.
How do district residents obtain either the enhanced STAR program exemption or the basic STAR program exemption?
In general, all owners of the property who primarily reside thereon must jointly file an application for the exemption with the assessor on or before the appropriate taxable status date. Contact your local tax assessor.
Where can further information about the STAR program be obtained?
Contact your local tax assessor's office or contact the New York State Office of Real Property Services at 16 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY; telephone 888-697-8275 or 518-474-2819, or athttp://www.orps.state.ny.us/.
The above information is provided by the New York State School Boards Association.