A new Middle Class STAR Rebate Program is available to homeowners who receive the basic STAR exemption on their property tax bills and to homeowners who are aged 65 years or older and receive an enhanced STAR exemption on their property tax bills.  According to the New York State Department of Tax and Finance Web site, "This year’s rebate check is based not only on your property tax burden, but also on your ability to pay, factoring in your income level."
 
The state is sending letters to homeowners alerting them of this program and describing the steps necessary to apply for and receive rebates. Notifications are being mailed on a county by county basis, staggered weekly from now until the middle of September.  For residents in Albany and Schenectady counties, the letters will be mailed the week of September 10. The application deadline is November 30, 2007, and homeowners can expect to receive their checks a few weeks after filing their applications.
 
Visit http://www.tax.state.ny.us/star/2007/ or click here to learn more about this program, calculate your rebate amount, determine when you should receive your letter, and apply for your rebate (after receiving your notification letter). For more information, contact the NYS Department of Tax and Finance at 1-877-6-STAR-NY (1-877-678-2769).