This year, the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program will be available again 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.

Unlike last year, those who are not already receiving Basic and Enhanced STAR will not be able to submit applications for the rebate. While applications may be filed with the New York State Office of Real Property Services (ORPS) until November 30, if an applicant did not receive the STAR exemption on the 2007 roll, he or she will not be eligible for the rebate this year.

New York State is sending homeowners letters that describe the steps necessary to apply for and receive rebates. Notifications will be mailed on a county by county basis, staggered weekly. Residents of Schalmont Central School District can expect their letters to be mailed in mid-October. The application deadline is November 30, 2008. Homeowners should receive their checks a few weeks after filing their applications.
 
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).