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Tax department says proposed STAR changes will simplify eligibility for seniors
Summary
Tax department testimony described proposed changes to the STAR program that would make enhanced STAR eligibility depend primarily on the resident owner's income and reduce paperwork for non‑filers.
Members of the Joint Fiscal Committee questioned the tax department about proposed changes to the STAR (School Tax Relief) program. Acting Commissioner Ball said the executive proposal would require only one resident owner of a property to be age 65 or older to qualify for the enhanced STAR and would clarify that only the income of owners who are primary residents would be counted for eligibility.
"One of the challenges that we have in the STAR program... is that the eligibility rules are incredibly complex and difficult for seniors to navigate," Acting Commissioner Ball testified, explaining the department's rationale for simplification. She noted that the department will retain existing coverage for co‑ops and condominiums and said the changes should ease administration for assessors and the department.
Ball told lawmakers that some property owners who do not file tax returns must currently complete annual income worksheets and that the proposal would eliminate that repetitive manual process for many non‑filers who have already demonstrated eligibility.
Several legislators asked for numbers on how many homeowners currently receive basic versus enhanced STAR. Ball said the department would provide exact figures, noting in testimony that "most properties are receiving the basic STAR program" and that there are "hundreds of thousands" of enhanced STAR recipients but that exact counts would be provided as follow‑up.
Senator Shelley Mayer asked whether the changes would expand eligibility and what the fiscal impact would be. Ball said the department estimated the total fiscal impact at about $9,000,000 and described the change as a modest gain that would simplify determinations for seniors and assessors.
The hearing record shows lawmakers pressing the department on appeal timelines and whether simplification would reduce administrative burdens. The tax department said it expects fewer eligibility challenges and that appeals are handled expeditiously under current law.
