GREENBURGH – Town Supervisor Paul Feiner and Town Assessor Edye McCarthy have compiled data that show declining savings of STAR exemptions for the ten school districts within Westchester’s largest town. The chart can be viewed here.
According to Feiner, over the past several years, “The formula that the New York State Department of Taxation uses to calculate STAR has changed to the detriment of taxpayers.” Feimer using the Hastings School District as an example said residents in the Hastings school district were receiving a $2,359 saving and today, the savings amount is $1,708, a 28% reduction in savings.
The reduction, along with the school tax rate increases, has placed an increased burden on Greenburgh residents, according to the supervisor.
Feiner, in addressing complaints from the residents, said “It is only going to get worse.” The Governor has offered residents a new program to receive slightly higher tax savings than what is currently being offered, but this is by way of a check directly from New York State. A property owner would have to give up their exemption in order to receive the check.
The State analyzes the recipients of the current STAR exemption, compares to their records, and informs the town assessors whether to remove the exemption for a reason they will not disclose. As a result, the municipal assessors across NYS can no longer assist residents with STAR questions. It is unfortunate.
“Property owners have become reliant of this savings to assist in offsetting the burden of the school property tax. Again, unfortunately, our residents have seen their savings reduced year after year,” said Feiner.
If there are questions about the STAR exemption, property owners must now call the NYS STAR hotline for answers 518-457-2036.
