ASSESSOR LEVINSON:  ENHANCED STAR PROGRAM SENIORS TO RECEIVE
COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT

Media Contact: Randolph Yunker - (516) 571-2490

(Mineola, NY)  Calling it “one of the best kept secrets of the 2006-07 State budget,” Nassau County Board of Assessors Chairman Harvey Levinson received notification from the New York State Office of Real Property Services that a 13.6% cost-of-living adjustment will be granted to homeowners receiving the Enhanced STAR (School Tax Relief Program) for the 2006-07 school tax year.

According to State officials, the increase was authorized in the unvetoed portion of the budget.  Depending on the school district and based on Enhanced STAR savings authorized in 2005-06, qualifying homeowners could see an increase ranging from $134 in the Great Neck School District to $370 in the Hempstead School District.

“Thanks to the members of Nassau’s State delegation and Governor George Pataki, the additional Enhanced STAR savings will help over 38,000 senior citizens keep pace with increasing school budgets,” stated Assessor Levinson.

Since its inception, thousands of Nassau County homeowners have filed for the Enhanced STAR program and saved literally hundreds of dollars off their property tax bills each year.  To qualify for the Enhanced STAR exemption for the 2007-08 school tax year, homeowners must be age 64 by the December 31, 2006 filing deadline.  For 2006-07, the State set the qualifying verifiable income ceiling for seniors at $66,050 or less (Federal Adjusted Gross Income).  In addition, the house must be the primary residence of the homeowner.

“I am confident that our State Delegation members on both sides of the aisle will continue to fight for more STAR funding and hope that more funding can be diverted to the Basic STAR program which is available to all Nassau County homeowners,” stated Assessor Levinson.

To learn more about the STAR program, homeowners should contact the Nassau County Department of Assessment at (516) 571-2490 or visit the County Website at www.nassaucountyny.gov and following the links.