repressive dilettante: What Can We Do About Our Long Island Property Tax?

Monday, January 14, 2013

What Can We Do About Our Long Island Property Tax?

Long Island Property Taxes may be high compared to many other?parts of the country,?but there are some options to lower them.?The majority of our taxes is the School portion and here are some easy ways to lower your Long Island property taxes. Long Island New York

First, you can file for a tax grievance in Nassau and Suffolk County. You must show proof that your property has been over-assessed. A grievance may result in School and General Tax Savings. There are several businesses on Long Island that handle this, usually charging from 40-50% of your savings for the first year.

Basic STAR is available to all homeowners on Long Island who make less than $500,000 in combined yearly income, with proof of residency.
The STAR Deduction?is NOT a property tax grievance. The STAR applies exclusively to School Taxes only.

The STAR requires completed forms and proof of owner occupancy. We are amazed at how many homeowners don't take advantage of this deduction. Their excuses are always "we don't have the time", but in reality it's only a form to fill out and can save on average $1,000 per year on the taxes. If you live in your house a few years, those dollar savings?can certainly add up.

With?Basic STAR homeowners only have to file for it once, as long as the deed remains unchanged and the property is owner occupied. There is something called Enhanced Star which is available to those homeowners who are 65 and over with a combined income of less than $79,050. In some instances, this too may only have to be filed once, but you have to check with your County. There is also something called Senior Citizens Exemptions for those with lower incomes.

Other?deductions that you can apply for Persons with Disabilities and other limited income as long as you can prove ownership, disability, income?and you must live in the house too. And there's also exemptions for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, volunteer firefighters, ambulance workers and members of the clergy.

Here are links for additional information:

Nassau County:?

Suffolk County:

The following website has information brochures on a variety of tax-related issues ranging from general property tax information to issues concerning bail, property tax exemptions, assessments, property tax payment options, and the Star program.?They can be contacted ?at 631-852-1500 or by email at:

Treasurer@suffolkcountyny.gov .

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