Big change to STAR Rebate Program

A big change to the STAR Rebate program this year. If you're a homeowner, you'll have to apply to get your money. The Middle Class Star Program is a tax cut, designed to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners.

Passed by the legislation earlier this year, the Middle Class Star Rebate Program will no longer be automatically be given to homeowners. Members from Governor Eliot Spitzer's office stopped in Brighton to remind homeowners of the change. As many as 3 million homeowners will receive an application in the mail, reminding them to apply for their rebate.

Once you get the application, all you have to do is: verify the information provided is correct, enter the names and social security numbers for all owners and their spouses and submit the application by mail or on-line.

The amount you'll be receiving will be based on the school district you live in, the tax rate and your income. For example, if you're a homeowner living in the Rush-Henrietta School District and make less than $90,000 a year, you can expect to receive $370. If you make between $90,000 to $150,000, you can receive $277. And if you make between $150,000 to $250,000, about $185 could be coming your way.

The State has already started rolling out the applications since Monday. Homeowners in Monroe, Livingston, Steuben and Seneca counties can expect to receive an application any day now. The deadline to apply is November 30th.

"If you're a homeowner with Basic Star, you'll will have to apply this year because it's income specific. We want to get the best rate that we can to the people that need it the most," said Barbara Billet, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Enhanced Senior Rebate recipients do not need to apply, that means homeowners 65 years or older will continue to receive their checks in the mail automatically.

For more information or to apply on-line, click here.