Do Enhanced STAR and the Senior Citizens Exemption Work the Same Way?

Many Nassau County homeowners assume that Enhanced STAR and the Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption are the same benefit. Although both programs are designed to help eligible senior homeowners reduce their property tax burden, they are separate programs with different eligibility requirements and administrative processes.

Enhanced STAR

Enhanced STAR is part of New York State's School Tax Relief (STAR) Program. It is available to eligible homeowners who are at least 65 years old and meet the annual income requirements established by New York State. The program primarily provides additional relief on school taxes.

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

The Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption is a separate exemption authorized under New York law and administered locally. Depending on income, qualifying homeowners may receive a reduction in the taxable assessed value used for county, town, and school taxes. Eligibility requirements are different from Enhanced STAR.

Conclusion

Because the two programs are separate, homeowners should review the requirements for each instead of assuming that qualifying for one automatically means qualifying for the other.

AIDOTAX helps Nassau County homeowners better understand available property tax exemptions before beginning an assessment review.