New for 2019: Senior Citizens must enroll in Income Verification Program for Property Tax Break

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance recently reminded property owners age 65 and over who are applying or reapplying to receive the Enhanced STAR exemption in 2019 that they must now enroll in the Income Verification Program (IVP).

Those already enrolled in the IVP don’t need to take any action to continue receiving their Enhanced STAR exemption checks. 

New IVP enrollees will likewise automatically receive the exemption each year they’re eligible. 

In the first year of enrollment, the assessor will verify eligibility based on the income information provided by the homeowner. In subsequent years, the New York State Tax Department will automatically verify eligibility. As a result, homeowners will no longer need to renew the exemption or share income tax returns with their local assessor’s office.

“This change applies only to seniors 65 or older applying for the Enhanced STAR exemption or those who have the exemption included in their property tax bills,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion, adding, “This doesn’t affect those who receive a check for this exemption because we already verify their income eligibility.”

If you already receive the Enhanced STAR exemption but aren’t yet enrolled in the IVP, you must renew your application for the Enhanced STAR exemption and enroll in the IVP. 

Submit the following forms to your assessor: Form RP-425-Rnw, Renewal Application for Enhanced STAR Exemption for the 2019-2020 School Year; and

Form RP-425-IVP, Supplement for Forms RP-425-E and RP-425-Rnw.

If you receive the Basic STAR exemption now and are eligible for Enhanced STAR in 2019, you must apply for it and enroll in the IVP. 

Submit the following forms to your assessor: Form RP-425-E, Application for Enhanced STAR Exemption for the 2019-2020 School Year; and

Form RP-425-IVP, Supplement to Forms RP-425-E and RP-425-Rnw.

If you’re a new homeowner or first-time STAR applicant, you need to register for the STAR credit with the Tax Department instead of applying for the exemption. You can register online at www.tax.ny.gov/STAR. 

Be sure to complete all forms entirely, including the Social Security numbers of all property owners and any owner’s spouse who resides at the property. You must also provide proof of income.

The deadline for applications is March 1 in most communities, but the date varies in some locations. Contact your assessor for the deadline in your area.

If you’re also receiving the senior citizens exemption, you’ll still need to annually renew that benefit with your assessor. To renew your application, file Form RP-467-Rnw with your assessor. 

In the past, seniors who qualified for the senior citizens exemption were automatically granted the Enhanced STAR exemption. Beginning in 2019, you must apply separately for both exemptions. Follow the instructions above to apply or renew the Enhanced STAR exemption.

To apply or renew the senior citizens exemption, file the appropriate form with your assessor: first-time applicants must file Form RP-467, Application for Partial Tax Exemption for Real Property of Senior Citizens; and renewal applicants must file Form RP-467-Rnw, Renewal Application for Partial Tax Exemption for Real Property of Senior Citizens.